Dr. Leslyn Lewis

Thank you to my colleague and friend, Cathay Wagantall, M.P., as she announces her departure from Parliament after years of dedicated public service.

Cathay has been a steadfast voice for her constituents. Her principled service has been marked by faith, conviction, integrity, and a deep commitment to the people she was elected to represent.

I and many others will miss her wisdom, her friendship, and her steadfast commitment to doing what she believes is right. Thank you Cathay, I wish you and your family a very blessed future.

Although my intent when I first announced my plans to step down as the Member of Parliament for Yorkton-Melville was to continue to represent the wonderful people of our riding until the next federal election is called, I have decided to take my leave as of August 31, 2026.

Read my statement:

As Canadians, we must never lose sight of the dignity and worth of every human life, especially those who are suffering.

The desire to push for MAID to be expanded to include people whose only condition is mental illness raises profound ethical concerns. When someone is in deep psychological distress, our first duty should always be to ensure they are met with care, support, and hope not irreversible decisions.

We must strengthen mental health supports and ensure no one feels that death is their only option. Compassion means standing with people in their darkest moments and helping them find a path toward healing.

Thank you to my colleague and friend, Luc Berthold, for his courage in sharing his family's personal experience with addiction and for turning that experience into action.

Addiction affects families in every corner of our country, and those who have lived through it understand the importance of treatment, recovery, and hope.

His legislation is rooted in a simple principle: helping young people overcome addiction and build a better future. I am grateful for his leadership on this important issue and for his willingness to speak so openly about a challenge that touches so many Canadian families.