Saskatchewan Senator Todd Lewis dies at 65

Saskatchewan Senator Todd Lewis, a longtime local volunteer and respected leader in the province’s agriculture sector, has died at the age of 65.

Lewis was appointed to the Senate by former prime minister Justin Trudeau on Feb. 7, 2025, and was serving as deputy liaison for the Canadian Senators Group.

Lewis farmed near Gray, southeast of Regina, where he was the fourth generation to work his family’s farm.

Read more:

• Saskatchewan farmers getting less of the food dollar, APAS study reveals
• Saskatchewan research farms saved from closure, for now
• From floods to heat, Saskatchewan farmers navigating season of weather whiplash

Saskatchewan Senator Todd Lewis, a longtime local volunteer and respected leader in the province’s agriculture sector, has died at the age of 65. (Senate of Canada website)

He served as president of the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan from 2016 to 2022 before becoming second vice-president, and later first vice-president, of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture. He also spent more than 20 years on the RM of Lajord council.

Swift Current-Grasslands-Kindersley MP, Jeremy Patzer, said he was saddened by Lewis’ passing and praised his decades of service.

“He was a strong advocate for Saskatchewan and Canada’s agriculture sector. His knowledge and experience in the Senate will be missed,” Patzer said.

“On behalf of the Saskatchewan Conservative caucus, our thoughts and prayers are with the Lewis family.”

Prime Minister Mark Carney also paid tribute Saturday night, describing Lewis as “a strong and steadfast voice for rural communities.”

“Senator Lewis understood that farming is more than a livelihood – it is a responsibility to the land, to one’s neighbours, and to the generations that follow,” Carney said.

“He carried that conviction from his family farm in Gray, Saskatchewan, into a distinguished career of advocacy that made him one of Canadian agriculture’s most trusted voices.”

Carney extended his condolences to Lewis’ family, friends, colleagues and all those whose lives he touched.

“Canada has lost a dedicated public servant and a powerful voice for our farmers,” Carney said. “He will be deeply missed.”

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe also shared a message of condolence, saying Lewis was a community leader and advocate for his home province.

Other Saskatchewan politicians also made statements.

— with files from CJME News and The Canadian Press

Read more:

• Saskatchewan farmers getting less of the food dollar, APAS study reveals
• Saskatchewan research farms saved from closure, for now
• From floods to heat, Saskatchewan farmers navigating season of weather whiplash