Regina Chamber of Commerce CEO Takes Medical Leave – Regina | The Canadian News

After 20 years of being involved with the Regina Chamber of Commerce, CEO John Hopkins has made the decision to take a medical leave of absence effective Monday, January 10.

Hopkins is in Stage 4 prostate cancer. He is considered an active and positive voice in Regina and in the business communities.

“Over the last few days and weeks, we’ve had several conversations about this, and (Hopkins) felt like he was at a point where he really needed to focus his time … on his health,” said Collin Pullar, president of the Regina Chamber of Commerce. and District. . “We are so proud of John and the things he has been able to do despite having this challenging and horrible disease.”

Beyond work in the business and economic sector, Hopkins has done extensive work around truth and reconciliation, the Aboriginal Education Initiative, and First Nations work exhibitions. He worked to help establish the Regina Trades and Skills Center, an organization that provides people with hands-on training, education, and skills to work in the trades.

“I think it’s one of the jobs he’s been most proud of,” Pullar said. “It’s an ongoing legacy in our community.”

The chamber of commerce says that Hopkins will use his time away from the office to “take advantage of medical care and courageously continue his fight against stage four prostate cancer.”

“It’s in my best interest to take time out of the office to focus on my health,” Hopkins told the Regina Chamber of Commerce website. “I am very proud of the many achievements and successes we have shared together, including the wastewater treatment plant and the new Mosaic Stadium. Together, we have made a positive and lasting impact on the local economy and improved the quality of life for many Regina families.”

1:53‘Garage Band’ with Regina leaders raises over $1 million for cancer center

In recent years, Hopkins and other business leaders in the community have formed the Garage Band, where they play their favorite instruments and sign covers of songs.

“Over the last two or three years, they were able to raise over $2 million to support research,” Pullar said. “But more importantly, (they) made men realize that (prostate cancer) is something they need to control.”

An interim CEO will be appointed later this week to handle the day-to-day operations of the organization.