KAMLOOPS – New Democrats across the Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo federal riding were saddened last Monday by the news that Jack Layton was temporarily stepping down as leader to receive treatment of a new cancer.
Layton, who announced almost a year and a half ago that he had prostate cancer, announced that he would be undertaking treatment for another form of cancer.
“I know that many local New Democrats and others have already contacted Jack’s office to send our best wishes for a successful treatment and a speedy return to his job as leader of Canada’s official opposition,” said former federal candidate Michael Crawford. “Our thoughts today are with Jack, his partner Olivia Chow, and their family members as they deal with this new health challenge.” “Layton is a fighter, and we know that the kind of optimism and hopefulness that he brought to federal politics will serve him well as he and his family undertake this battle,” said Crawford.
As of last week the federal council of New Democrats was to meet to select an interim leader. Layton had suggested Quebec MP Nycole Turmel, MP for Hull-Aylmer and the former president of the Public Service Alliance of Canada as a possibility.
– Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo NDP
