A Note from Niagara At Large publisher Doug Draper
By now, many of you have already heard the news.
Canada's NDP leader Jack Layton
Jack Layton, the leader of Canada’s New Democrats who saw his party win an unprecedented number of parliamentary seats this spring, announced this Monday, July 25 that he is temporarily stepping down as the party’s leader while he fights a new battle with cancer.
Just as Niagara At Large wished Ontario Conservative leader Tim Hudak and his wife Debbie well this spring while their young daughter Miller was fighting a serious health condition in hospital, we wish the very best to Jack Layton and his family.Layton, who seemed to be recovering from an earlier battle with cancer and exuded a great deal of energy during this spring’s federal election, shocked many political watchers with the July 25 announcement, even though he vowed to be back in service as the party’s leader as early as this September.
In a short statement he read this July 25, even while some were saddened by how frail he seemed to look and sound compared to even a month ago, he finished by expressing his ideals and an optimism for Canada’s future.
“Let me conclude by saying this,” Layton said. “If I have tried to bring anything to federal politics, it is the idea that hope and optimism should be at their heart.
“We can look after each other better than we do today. We can have a fiscally responsible government. We can have a strong economy; greater equality; a clean environment.”
“We can be a force for peace in the world. I am as hopeful and optimistic about all of this as I was the day I began my political work, many years ago. I am hopeful and optimistic about the personal battle that lies before me in the weeks to come.”
“And I am very hopeful and optimistic that our party will continue to move forward. We will replace the Conservative government, a few short years from now.”
“And we WILL work with Canadians to build the country of our hopes …
Of our dreams … Of our optimism … Of our determination … Of our values… of our love. Thank you.”
Thank you too Mr. Layton, for your many years of public service and let’s all pray as he fights another battle with cancer, that he overcomes that battle to serve the country many years more.
(We encourage you to share your views on this story in the comment boxes below.)
Let’s begin with this short statement from Ontario NDP leader Andrea Horwath.
STATEMENT FROM ONTARIO NDP LEADER ANDREA HORWATH ON JACK LAYTON
Ontario New Democrat Leader Andrea Horwath issued the following statement on Jack Layton:
“My heart goes out to Jack, Olivia and their family as they enter another battle with cancer. Jack is the definition of a fighter and I know he will make a speedy return to public life. Jack’s courage is inspiring to all Canadians. I’m so proud of my Leader today and wish him the best.”
Niagara At Large 
Jack Layton has not been my favourite leader of the NDP. That said, I have come to admire his fiestiness, his integrity, and let’s be frank, his knock-out performance during the last debates. He stunned our nation, did he not?
I don’t pray, but I will hope for the very best outcome for this man who has shown others what a real leader should be.
Gail Benjafield
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Jack,
May God grant you all the strength you need to fight this dreadful disease. May you use every ounce of strength you have to rid this new cancer you have! Wishing you all the best in your recovery efforts! God Bless!
Muzylowsky Family
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Jack represents Canada well. I wish him a speedy recovery, for his sake, and ours.
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Jack Layton’s Courage Tested Anew
Today is a sad day in Canadian politics and in the lives of the family of Opposition Leader Jack Layton. Mr. Layton’s leadership of the NDP set it on its history-making course that gave the party its record-breaking number of seats in the current parliament.
Mr. Layton’s passion for families, fairness, and justice is well document. His eternal optimism is even now unwavering even in the light of the new challenges he faces with the diagnosis that a new cancer is assaulting his body. Few thinking Canadians, even those firmly committed to other political parties, would deny that Mr. Layton’s life continues to be dedicated to justice for the least empowered in our society. He has earned the respect of all Canadians.
Since I first knew of Mr. Layton as a force for a more humane Toronto, I have had a great admiration for his undaunting efforts to make life better for the underserved in our cities, province, and nation. Along with many others, of all political stripes, I wish Jack Layton and family all the best. Like so many others, I look forward to seeing him at the helm of the NDP, as Leader of Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition come the fall parliamentary sitting.
Mr. Layton, we wish you strength in the days to come and good health in the not-to-distant future. Meanwhile, thank you for your exemplary courage and your commitment to a fairer, more just Canadian society.
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God Bless you Jack and I will say an extra prayer for you each and every day until God heals your physical being…..Amen
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Canadians are only slowly appreciating the greatness of Jack Layton’s political leadership. I think we would see it more clearly if we compared him to the leaders of other major political parties in other democratic countries. Most of them look like dwarts compared to Layton’s stature. Tragically, the most similar leader is the Prime Minister of Norway, who recently survived an attempt on his life. Both statesmen are able to combine great passions for the protection of the environment, social justice and economic well being. Let us pray that he will be able to guide our nation for many years.
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I agree with the best wishes for Mr. Layton. We need him.
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This planet needs more people like him.
I hope his family, friends and co workers get all the support it needs.
The world needs more of this kind of leaders, -in these days.
I can see from the comments here that Mr. Layton has made a big impact in your nation. Be proud of him. Go on,in the direction he led.
RIP Mr. Layton.
Anders R. –
Love from Oslo
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