Michael Gravelle, Liberal MPP announces Cancer has return

With days until the writ is to be issued for the Ontario Election, Thunder Bay-Superior North Member of Provincial Parliament Michael Gravelle has announced after a recent biopsy cancer that he thought he fought 10 years ago returned.

Gravelle said that the news is certainly unwelcome, "I treasure my job as MPP for Thunder Bay-Superior North and I was looking forward to putting my name forward for re-election in June.

"While I am not prepared to abandon those plans just yet, I recognize that my illness may not give me a choice. Having said that, I want to begin my chemotherapy treatments determined to improve quickly enough to enter the race."

The Ontario Liberal MPP said that he was looking forward to putting his name forward in June's election, "This may affect my candidacy in the upcoming provincial election." He added, "I hope to make that decision very soon."

Gravelle was first elected in 1995, and defeated NDP MPP Shelley Wark-Martyn. He has held numerous cabinet posts under both Premier Dalton McGuinty and Premier Kathleen Wynne.

His longest-held cabinet post was Minister of Northern Development and Mines, which he held from 2007 to 2011, and again from 2013 to 2018. He also served as Minister of Natural Resources from 2011 to 2013.