Gilles Bisson, Ontario NDP MPP for Timmins announced via social media that he is recovering from a heart attack that took place this past weekend.
"Over the weekend I suffered a heart attack and underwent triple by-pass surgery in Toronto.
I am doing very well and am resting with my family," the statement from the Ontario NDP official Twitter account stated.
"I will be taking a short 4-week leave of absence to recover from surgery," the statement added.
With the next Ontario election expected to be called within weeks, MPP's and Candidates have been launching their campaigns and holding events shoring up support before the June 2 vote.
The heart attack is not expected to sideline the long term MPP from Timmins, announcing that he will be back on the campaign trail once his doctors allows him to, "I am committed to continue serving the residents of Timmins and am excited to return to the campaign trail in a few short weeks, which my doctor has approved."
Bisson was first elected in 1990 during the Bob Rae NDP sweep and has been elected in every election since. He served as Parliamentary Assistant to the Ministers of Northern Development and Mines and Francophone Affairs under Bob Rae, and served on the cabinet committee regarding the North American Free Trade Agreement in 1993.
During the 2018 provincial election, Bisson garnered over 57% of the vote.