Claude Bechard, seen at Quebec's national assembly in June 2009, has died of cancer at the age of 41.Claude Bechard, seen at Quebec's national assembly in June 2009, has died of cancer at the age of 41. (Jacques Boissinot/Canadian Press)

Quebec cabinet minister Claude Béchard has died at 41 after a public battle with cancer.

Béchard, minister of agriculture and minister of intergovernmental affairs, issued a statement Tuesday morning that his health had worsened and he was leaving politics. His death was announced in the late afternoon.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued a statement, sending condolences to Béchard's family on behalf of his family and the federal government.

"Mr. Béchard devoted a significant part of his life to active politics," he said. "For the last 13 years, he had been an effective member for Kamouraska-Témiscouata and devoted himself to his constituents while holding important positions in the Quebec government."

Béchard was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the spring 2008, and doctors quickly removed a cancerous lesion from his lower intestine and a tumour from his pancreas.

Earlier this year, doctors discovered that the cancer had returned in the form of another malignant growth in Béchard's intestines.

Béchard returned to Quebec's national assembly in June to a standing ovation from his Liberal colleagues and the opposition. He stated that he would continue to work for as long as he could.

Thanked Charest

In Tuesday's statement, Béchard wrote that he was honoured to represent the citizens of the Kamouraska-Témiscouata since 1997.

"I also want to especially thank the premier, my friend, Mr. Jean Charest, who has always trusted me, and with whom it was a great honour and a pleasure to serve the people of Quebec," wrote Béchard.

An emotional Charest held a news conference Tuesday afternoon before the death was announced.

"If there was one thing that he wanted to pass on, it's that he deeply loved the people that he represented," said Charest.

Béchard was 28 when first elected to the national assembly.

He held various portfolios, including employment, environment and natural resources, although his 13-year career was not without controversy.

Béchard was scorned by environmentalists for promoting a condo development on Mount Orford and angered others with his endorsement of the Rabaska liquid gas terminal.

Béchard leaves behind his wife and four children.