Larissa Kurz, Regina Leader-Post
Friends, colleagues and fellow political leaders are mourning the sudden loss of Canadian senator and longtime agricultural advocate Todd Lewis.
Lewis died at age 65 on July 31, according to an obituary shared by Arbor Memorial in Regina.
Senate speaker Raymonde Gagné announced his passing on Saturday and expressed “immense sadness.”
“The passing of Senator Lewis marks the loss of a steadfast champion for Saskatchewan’s agricultural sector and a pillar of the community who leaves behind a legacy shaped by four generations of farming,” said a statement from Gagné, via the Senate of Canada.
Politicians and agricultural leaders across the country have since joined in describing Lewis as a strong and respected voice who cared deeply about agriculture.
“Canada has lost a dedicated public servant and a powerful voice for our farmers. He will be deeply missed,” said a statement from Prime Minister Mark Carney, shared Saturday by his office.
“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. 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.”
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe also extended condolences to family and loved ones in a social media post on Saturday.
“A farmer, community leader, and dedicated advocate for Saskatchewan and Saskatchewan agriculture, Senator Lewis devoted his life to serving his community and our province,” said Moe’s post.
Sask. Agriculture Minister David Marit, in his own post, described Lewis as a “steadfast advocate for Saskatchewan and the agriculture industry throughout his career, a well as a dear friend.”
Federal Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald and former minister Lawrence MacAulay also offered condolences on social media.
“I was grateful for the opportunity to visit his farm last year and see his passion firsthand,” wrote MacDonald.
Lewis was appointed to the Canadian Senate in February 2025 after decades of advocacy for farmers at the provincial, federal and even international levels.
Lewis was a municipal councillor for over 20 years in Lajord, Sask., also serving on the local school board and as a volunteer firefighter.
He lived and farmed near Gray — about 40 kilometres west of Regina — and was a professional agrologist.
Known for his advocacy on topics like the federal carbon tax and emissions goals, rural connectivity, business protection and drought, Lewis was highly regarded in the farming community.
He joined the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) board of directors in 2009 and was later elected president in 2016. He led that organization until 2022.
“Todd was a tireless advocate for Saskatchewan producers and a role model for many of us involved in agricultural leadership today,” said APAS president Bill Prybylski in a statement shared Sunday.
“He will be deeply missed.”
Lewis also served as a first and second vice-president of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture from 2023 to 2025, before his election to Canada’s Senate.
A memorial service honouring Lewis is to be held in Regina on Thursday, Aug. 6. The service will be livestreamed online by Arbor Memorial.
— With files from the Regina Leader-Post
