Categories: Need to know

Jack Layton steps down temporarily to battle new cancer

Recommends Nycole Turmel as interim leader

by Alex Ballingall on Monday, July 25, 2011 2:19pm - 7 Comments

Jack Layton announced Monday that he will temporarily step down as leader of the New Democratic Party due to his ongoing battle with cancer. Layton, appearing gaunt and speaking in a raspy voice, told a press conference in Toronto that he felt pain and stiffness in the final days of the last session of Parliament. He recommended member for Hull-Aylmer, Nycole Turmel, as his choice for interim leader until he returns to Parliament when it resumes on Sept. 19.

Layton’s battle with prostate cancer has been the focus of much media attention in recent months. Layton revealed today that, although his battle with prostate cancer is going well, recent tests revealed he has a new form of cancer. After Layton spoke, party president Brian Topp wouldn’t specify what type of new cancer Layton has, but said he had spent “some time” at Toronto’s Princess Margaret Hospital. Both Layton and Topp expressed optimism that Layton would return as leader when Parliament resumes from summer break.

The NDP caucus will meet Wednesday to discuss Layton’s recommendation for interim leader. The party will announce its decision on Thursday.

Tags: Jack Layton

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I wish Jack well.
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I wish Jack well.
Anonymous

Best wishes to you, Jack. Keep fightin’!
Anonymous

Best wishes to you, Jack. Keep fightin’!
Anonymous

All the best, Jack. Get well soon.
Anonymous

Nycole Turmel?- I that must have sent some shock waves through the corridors of both the party and their opponents. Just when the NDP made a move to become mainstream with a social conscience it slipped back into labour obscurity and tainted direction. Too bad. I am wondering what happened- Jack must surely know that Turmel will send a signal of the old days. But perhaps not surprising- his open pandering to Quebec after the election was the start of a great man’s fall. Get the rest and the help Jack – you will be missed for what you brought forward but something has happened within the ranks of the party and they have returned to old ways while disregarding the temper of the times. You will not be allowed to return as a leader and the deed has been done. I am really sorry to see that- I rarely agreed with you but I could see your logic and your vision.Now it will again be covered in the old rhetoric and the party will be sidelined. Your opponents may be unhappy about your personal situation but the party has done them an enormous favour. Back to entrenchment and a retreat from progress. Take care Jack, you were a good one!
http://www.facebook.com/people/Robert-Pariseau/100002002815534 Robert Pariseau

This is going to be a great time for Stephen Harper. Now he’s got a shot at returning Parliament to the bad old days of business as usual, helped in no small part by his number-one attack dog John Baird.