Former federal cabinet minister and prominent Indigenous figure Jody Wilson-Raybould has publicly shared that she is beginning treatment for breast cancer. The announcement, made via social media, comes after she recently underwent surgery.
Public Announcement and Message of Resilience
On Monday, January 19, 2026, Wilson-Raybould, who served as Canada's Attorney General and Justice Minister, disclosed her diagnosis and upcoming treatment plan. In her statement, she acknowledged the fear and uncertainty of the situation but expressed profound gratitude for the medical care she is receiving.
"While this is scary and unsettling, I take strength from the many of you who have shared your stories of resilience and healing with me over the years," she wrote. "I am also so grateful to my surgeons and B.C. Cancer agency for their wonderful care."
Continuing Work Amid Treatment
Despite the health challenge, Wilson-Raybould emphasized her intention to remain active in her professional pursuits. Notably, she confirmed she will continue working on a forthcoming book about leadership. She is co-authoring this project with Victoria-based lawyer Roshan Danesh.
Since choosing not to run in the 2021 federal election, Wilson-Raybould has focused on writing, having authored or co-authored four books. Her commitment to the current book project underscores her determination to maintain her public and literary contributions during her treatment.
A Call for Preventative Health Action
Using her platform to advocate for public health, Wilson-Raybould encouraged others to prioritize regular screenings. She specifically urged people to get scheduled mammograms and other tests for cancers and illnesses, highlighting the importance of early detection and preventative care.
Political and Professional Legacy
Jody Wilson-Raybould, a lawyer by training, was first elected as the Liberal Member of Parliament for Vancouver Granville in 2015. She was appointed to the prestigious role of Attorney General in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's cabinet. Her tenure was marked by the high-profile SNC-Lavalin controversy, which led to her resignation from cabinet in 2019.
She subsequently won re-election in her riding as an independent in the same year, serving until she left federal politics in 2021. Her career has been defined by her advocacy for Indigenous rights and justice reform, establishing her as a significant and sometimes controversial figure in recent Canadian political history.
