Roger Parent. Photo courtesy the Government of Saskatchewan.

A Saskatoon MLA who fought hard for First Nations and Metis people has been diagnosed with cancer.

Roger Parent was first elected to the legislature in 2011.

Before being elected, he was involved in several community initiatives, including a homeless partnership, the Aboriginal economic development committee and the Saskatchewan committee on Aboriginal procurement.

The cancer diagnosis was unexpected. Parent went to a doctor after feeling ill and tests revealed the cancer was widespread.