Layton takes leave of absence
Posted July 25, 2011 12:10 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
TORONTO (NEWS1130) – Federal NDP Leader Jack Layton says he has been diagnosed with another cancer and is taking a temporary leave of absence as leader.
The 61-year-old has asked the party’s president to consult the parliamentary caucus to select an interim leader. Layton recommended member for Hull-Aylmer, Nycole Turmel, as his choice for interim leader until parliament resumes on Sept. 19.
Layton, appearing weak and gaunt, spoke in a raspy voice to reporters at a news conference in Toronto. He said he felt stiffness and pain in the last few days of the last session of parliament and underwent more testing at a Toronto hospital.
“My battle against prostate cancer, as it turns out from these tests, is going very well. However, these tests, which results I received just last week, also indicate that I have a new form of cancer, a non-prostate cancer that is going to require further treatment,” he told a packed press conference. “On the advice of my doctors, I’m going to focus on treatment and recovery.”
The NDP Leader says he is “hopeful and optimistic” that he will beat the new form of cancer. He battled prostate cancer in 2009.
Reaction pours in
“I salute the courage Mr. Layton continues to show in his fight against cancer, a fight that more and more Canadians are winning. We are all heartened by Jack’s strength and tireless determination, which with Mr. Layton will never be in short supply,” said Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
BC NDP Leader Adrian Dix issued a statement saying he was very saddened to hear today’s news.
“Jack is a fighter and I know he will take on this challenge with the same determination as he has every other challenge in life. Jack has spent all of his political life putting others first fighting for a better Canada, but now is the time to put himself first.”
Vancouver Mount-Pleasant MLA Jenny Kwan, who has worked with Layton over the years, says he has always put others before him.
“He has to put his health first. He absolutely has to do that,” she said. “I think for all the people who have worked with Jack, Canadian people who have seen how he has fought will be sending their thoughts and best wishes to Jack.”
Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s full statement
Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement after hearing Jack Layton will take a temporary leave of absence from his position as leader of the Official Opposition:
“I was deeply saddened today to hear that Jack Layton is temporarily leaving his post as leader of Her Majesty’s Official Opposition and leader of the New Democratic Party.
“Mr. Layton is passionate about his convictions and the future of our great country. I would like to wish Jack a successful recovery so he can quickly return to his post.
“I salute the courage Mr. Layton continues to show in his fight against cancer, a fight that more and more Canadians are winning. We are all heartened by Jack’s strength and tireless determination, which with Mr. Layton will never be in short supply.
“On behalf of Laureen and myself, and on behalf of our entire Conservative caucus, I would like to offer our heartfelt support to Jack, Olivia and their family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.”
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