Finance Minister to Take Time off Due to Health Issue

Finance Minister Michael Baker announced today, May 3, that he will take time off later in May for health reasons.

Mr. Baker has been diagnosed with a form of cancer, and will have an operation on Thursday, May 11, to remove a tumour from his neck. He expects to recover in hospital, and then at home, for two to three weeks after the surgery.

Mr. Baker has been MLA for the constituency of Lunenburg since first being elected to the House of Assembly in 1998.

"I have been honoured to serve as a member of Nova Scotia's Legislative Assembly over the past eight years," said Mr. Baker. "I have every intention of continuing to serve the people of Nova Scotia and will re-offer in the next provincial election."

Premier Rodney MacDonald said that Mr. Baker has the full backing and support of himself and the rest of cabinet.

"Michael has been an extremely hard-working MLA and cabinet minister. He serves Nova Scotians with a high level of integrity and dedication. Our best wishes for recovery are with Michael and the rest of the family," said Premier MacDonald.

Mr. Baker said he plans to introduce the Province of Nova Scotia's budget some time before the surgery.

An acting minister of Finance will be appointed in his absence.