Quebec City's mayor making a gradual return to work after cancer treatment

Quebec City's mayor is preparing to return to full-time work this summer after stepping away from the role in April to undergo treatment for prostate cancer.

Rgis Labeaume, the city's mayor since 2007, said he will begin a "gradual return" this week because he's still recovering from an operation he had about two months ago.

"I'm going back to work today for the first time," he said in a video posted on Facebook on Monday. "I'm going to do it gradually, because I'm not quite ready yet. It's taking longer than I thought."

At a newsconference, Labeaumesaid he opted for the "more drastic" surgery option because it gave him the best odds. The treatment has been successful, Labeaume said, but he planned to be "cautious,"given thatin 30 per cent of cases, the cancer can return.

He admittedthat he had had a "debate" with his doctors about his return to work.

When Labeaumestepped aside in April, he saidhe did not intend to cede responsibility to the deputy mayor, MichelleMorin-Doyle.

He said he would keepthe job and its duties, but not attend council meetings or spend much time at Quebec City Hall.

"I want to tell you how much I love you and I want to thank you," Labeaume said in the video, addressing the people who have sent him messages of support.

"I also want to tell you how extraordinary I found the work of my colleagues here in Quebec City, who in my absence have been excellent, so much so that sometimes I wonder if I'm still useful."

Labeaume said he won't attendthe nextcouncil meeting, buthe will go to theFederation of Canadian Municipalities' annual conference, which takes place in Quebec City and begins Thursday.