Gordie Gosse, the NDP MLA for Sydney-Whitney Pier MLA and former Speaker of the House, says he will be reducing his MLA duties after being diagnosed with cancer last week.
Gosse released a statement Tuesday afternoon, saying his cancer was diagnosed early and his prognosis is good. He did not specify what type of cancer he has but says he will require chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
“Like hundreds of other Nova Scotians I am nervous and scared about the fight I am about to embark on. But it’s a fight I am determined to win,” said Gosse in an email.
“Spending time away from my constituents and my colleagues in the House of Assembly will not be easy for me. Everyone from the Pier all the way to Province House knows how much I like to talk. But I owe it to my family, friends and colleagues to get better, and that means listening to my doctors. I trust people will understand my need for privacy during my treatment and recovery.”
Gosse says his office will remain open and constituents will be able to rely on his staff.
He says, if all goes according to plan, he will be back at province house in the fall.
“I’ve always lived by the motto when you get knocked down get right back up,” said Gosse.
“Rest assured I’m already on my feet, my cancer is treatable and I’ll be seeing everyone again soon.”
Gosse was first elected in 2003 and served as Speaker from 2011 to 2013.
