MP Keith Ashfield to seek re-election after beating cancer

Fredericton MP KeithAshfieldsays hewill run in the upcoming federal election after announcing his non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is in remission.

"The past months have been taxing both mentally and physically, but I have a renewed sense of purpose and determination," he said inan open letter to hisconstituents on Wednesday, thanking them for their support.

Ashfield, 63,says he has "many goals left to accomplish for the Fredericton area."

Some of the key issues, he says, include:the financial well-being of seniors and families, programs for veterans and military members, access to post-secondary education, security, multiculturalism, business and employment, mental health, arts and culture, conservation, and local infrastructure.

"I am eager to listen to your ideas and concerns and to work hard with you to continue building the Fredericton community," the Conservative MP said.

"I have much left to give."

Ashfield was first diagnosed with cancer in 2013, when he was serving as Prime Minister Stephen Harper's fisheries minister.

Last fall, heannounced doctors had found a recurrenceand that he had started treatments again.

On Wednesday,Ashfield said his tests have shown no signs of remaining cancer.

"Ihave tried to be as open and transparent as possible with my constituents. I believe that it is important for individuals to feel comfortable discussing their illnesses or disabilities."

He alsosuffered a heart attackin 2012.

Ashfield was first elected in 2008 in the federal riding of Fredericton. He served from 1999 to 2008 as a Progressive Conservative MLA. He was a natural resources minister in the Bernard Lord government.