Diane Deans returning to council after ovarian cancer treatment

A long-time Ottawa city councillor diagnosed with ovarian cancer last year says she plans to return to work in September.

Gloucester-Southgate Coun. Diane Deans has been away onformal medical leave since late September 2019, after receiving what she called at the time an "insidious" cancer diagnosis.

On Thursday, Deans said she'd be resuming her role as city councillor on Sept. 8, and would also return as the chair of both the Ottawa Police Services Board and Crime Prevention Ottawa.

Throughout her treatment, Deans has posted to social media about her progress and has raised money for ovarian cancer advocacy andresearch.

"The diagnosis was a devastating blow," Deans wrote in a statementThursday.

"But the support from my family, friends, health care professionals and the community was unwavering and I am thrilled to announce that I am healthy, strong and ready to get back to work."

Deans has served as a city councillor since 1995.