Jack Layton made the announcement this morning alongside Olivia Chow in Toronto. As usual, Layton shows optimism by telling the media and Canadians that he will be back when parliament resumes come September 19. Let’s all hope so. Say what we will about Jack Layton. The one thing we can’t say about him is he isn’t courageous. We watched him continue to somehow work as he battled prostate cancer. We watched him fight an election campaign following hip surgery while the general prescription would generally require rehab. Now this:
My battle against prostate cancer is going very well. My PSA levels remain virtually undetectable,” he said.
“However, these tests … also indicate that I have a new, non-prostate cancer that will require further treatment. So, on the advice of my doctors, I am going to focus on treatment and recovery.”
It is not revealed what kind of new cancer that Jack Layton is recently diagnosed with. It appears that the NDP caucus will be meeting this Wednesday to select an interim leader as the party’s constitution dictates, however, it appears that Jack Layton is recommending MP from Hull-Aylmer, Nycole Turmel.
Like I said before, like him or not, we can’t take away Jack Layton’s courage. In fact, no matter what partisan stripe we wear, let’s all wish Jack Layton a speedy recovery as he no doubt battles his latest affliction with the same amount of courage as he always does.
God speed Jack!!