Jack Layton: NDP Leader Steps Down Due to Cancer

by NowPublic Staff | July 25, 2011 at 02:33 pm

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Jack Layton Diagnosed with 'NewCancer'

Jack Layton is stepping down as leader of Canada's New Democratic Party (NDP). Leyton has been once more diagnosed with cancer.

Jack Layton has already been battling prostate cancer, which is in remission. However, recent tests indicate another type of cancer, the details of which he did not divulge in a public statement.

The NDP will appoint an interim party leader. Layton, who plans to return to work in September, suggested Nycole Turmel.

In the closing days of the most recent session of the House of Commons, I started suffering from some stiffness and some pain. And after the House rose, I undertook a series of tests at Princess Margaret Hospital here in Toronto. My battle against prostate cancer, as it turns out from these tests, is going very well. My PSA levels remain very, very low. However, these tests, whose results I received just last week, also indicate that I have a new cancer – non-prostate cancer – that’s going to require further treatment.

Jack Layton led the NDP to huge leads in the last election, and his party is now the opposition to Stephen Harper's Conservative Party.