Minister of Agriculture to Take Time Off For Health Reasons

Brooke Taylor, Minister of Agriculture, announced today, Jan. 25, that he will take time off later in February for health reasons.

Mr. Taylor has been diagnosed with prostate cancer and will have surgery in late February. He expects to recover in hospital, and then at home, for four to eight weeks after the surgery.

Mr. Taylor has been MLA for the constituency of Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley since first elected to the House of Assembly in 1993.

"For going on 14 years, I have been honoured to serve as the MLA for the beautiful Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley," Mr. Taylor said. "It is a privilege to serve the people of Nova Scotia in Premier Rodney MacDonald's cabinet."

Premier MacDonald said Mr. Taylor has his full backing and support, and that of the rest of cabinet.

"Our thoughts are with Brooke and his family during this time," said Premier MacDonald. "Brooke has been an important member of my cabinet this past year and we look forward to his return. I know my cabinet colleagues and all Nova Scotians join me in wishing Brooke best wishes for his recovery."

An acting Minister of Agriculture will be appointed in Mr. Taylor's absence.