Local Farmer and activist Percy Schmeiser has passed away at the age of 89.

News broke of the passing on Wednesday, October 14. Schmeiser had also been suffering from Parkinson's disease at the time of his passing. 

Two decades ago, Percy Schmeiser, well known Bruno farmer, businessman, and politician found himself embroiled in a years-long battle with agriculture giant Monsanto over the presence of GMO canola in his fields. This fall, that landmark battle comes to the big screen with the film Percy, featuring Academy Award winner Christopher Walken in the role of the embattled farmer and activist.

The movie chronicling Schmeiser's life hit the big screens in select theatres across Canada beginning on October 9.