(Canada) NDP leader Layton has another cancer, stepping down as leader

[socialshockwave]

Source: Globe and Mail

Jack Layton says he has been diagnosed with another form of cancer and is taking a leave of absence as leader of the federal New Democrats to fight it.

The 61-year-old politician announced he was battling prostate cancer in February 2010.

But he says recent tests show he has a new form of cancer and he requires further treatment.

Read more: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/ndp-leader-layton-has-another-cancer-stepping-down-as-leader/article2108862/

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Sad day. I may not agree with his policies but he's still a good man and I wish him all the best.

[CreekDog]

1. Oh no. And I *do* agree with his policies

even though I'm in the USA, I find Layton's candor and policies refreshing.

get well soon Mr. Layton!

[rurallib]

2. Watching from afar, he seems like a fierce advocate for the average person

I wish him well.

[socialshockwave]

3. I watched his press conference.

He looked awful. He had lost so much weight and was almost skeletal. I knew something was up.

[tuvor]

4. Jack Layton steps down temporarily to treat new cancer

Source: Toronto Star

OTTAWA—Jack Layton is temporarily stepping down as New Democrat party leader to undergo treatment for cancer.

“I have a new cancer, non-prostate cancer, that’s going to require further treatment,” Layton, who looked and sounded weak, told a news conference in Toronto on Monday afternoon. “I’m going to fight this cancer now so I can be back to fight for families when Parliament resumes.”

Layton said he has asked NDP president Brian Topp to consult with the parliamentary caucus and convene a meeting of federal council to appoint an interim leader.

Layton recommended newly elected MP Nycole Turmel (Hull–Aylmer), who is national chair of the NDP caucus.


Read more: http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/politics/article/1030194--jack-layton-steps-down-temporarily-to-treat-cancer

[Forkboy]

5. Best wishes to him.

[arikara]

6. Ohno! That's bad news indeed

I thought he looked sick during the campaign but he seemed to be revived by the excitement of it. I hope he's going to be ok.

[u4ic]

7. He looks and sounds very ill

He is a fighter first and foremost, and I wish him all the best in this battle.

[roamer65]

8. Ed Broadbent would make a good interim leader.

He would also make a good PM.

[laundry_queen]

9. Saw this on CBC tonight and was saddened

He looked and sounded awful. They said he had already started treatment so I'm hoping that's why he looked so ill and not because he's late stage. I'll be sending get well vibes and I wish him strength.

[iverglas]

10. I'm sure well wishes from the neighbours would be appreciated ;)

http://www.ndp.ca/get-well-jack

[iverglas]

11. bumping this to explain "Jack Layton dies at 61" thread

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x4969159