NDP Leader Jack Layton faces prostate cancer with determination and a smile

Word that Jack Layton would hold a news conference in Toronto at 2pm on Friday afternoon definitely sent the usual press gallery speculation machine into overdrive. What on earth could the leader of the NDP be revealing?

The immediate theories that he was quitting as leader to leave politics or resigning to enter the Toronto mayoralty race were dismissed by his staff. Speculation then turned to Layton's health. The Energizer bunny of Canadian politics is known for keeping a hectic schedule and for keeping fit with regular workout sessions in the gym set aside for MPs. Word spread that Layton had been laid up with a bad back, perhaps there was a health issue to deal with?

Then just before the scheduled news conference it emerged that yes, it was a health issue, Layton has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. I've never seen anyone so happily announce they have cancer. Yet Jack Layton is not a normal person and I mean that in the best way possible, Layton is a perpetual optimist and it came through in his statement, heard live on Newstalk 1010 in Toronto and covered by my colleague Ryan Bird.

"I want to ensure that my constituents know that I will be carrying on as a member of Parliament for Toronto-Danforth and as leader of the New Democratic Party of Canada," said Layton. "It's the same kind of prostate cancer that my dad was diagnosed with 17 years ago. Like my dad, I am a fighter. And I'm going to beat this."

I have no doubt Layton will beat this and go on to encourage other men to get tested for this highly treatable cancer. Layton's wife and fellow MP Olivia Chow beat thyroid cancer a few years ago and today appears the picture of health.

The reaction from Layton's political foes has been quite classy, although these people are often at each others throats in the battle for Parliamentary supremacy, events like this remind everyone, we are all human, the guy next to you puts his pants on one leg at a time as well. Asked about Layton's announcement during a media briefing in Saskatchewan, Prime Minister Stephen Harper had this to say:

"I spoke to Jack earlier today, and obviously wished him all of my best in facing these health challenges that he has going forward. You know, it's a funny business. You do battle with the guy for many, many years, but at the same time, as the Premier knows, you often develop at the same time very close relationships with some of your counterparts. And Laureen and I certainly consider...certainly consider Jack and Olivia friends, and we just wish them all the best. As I told him, I know many people, as does he, who've faced this challenge and have overcome it, and so we'll be pulling for him. Our thoughts and prayers will be with him, and I look forward to doing political battle with him for many years to come.

Below are official statements from Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff and Bloc Quebecois Leader Gilles Duceppe on Layton's announcement.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper

"Mr. Layton's optimistic and determined approach to facing this challenge is inspiring and I am heartened by his courage and strength. These qualities will serve him and his family well as he undergoes medical treatment. The fight against cancer is one more and more Canadians are winning.

"His decision to carry on as MP for Toronto-Danforth and as leader of the NDP during his treatment comes as no surprise given his tireless dedication to his constituents and his party. It is for this reason that he is respected by all parliamentarians, regardless of political affiliation.

"On behalf of all Canadians, Laureen and I would like to wish Jack a prompt and full recovery and express our support to Olivia and their family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this period."

Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff

"Jack Layton has fought many battles in his life, but none will be as demanding as the fight he now faces. We all know how combative Jack is and we know that he will face this challenge with his usual determination. I wish him strength and courage on the road to recovery, and I know all Canadians stand behind him in this fight.

The news that Mr. Layton is battling prostate cancer is a sobering moment of reflection for all of us who work with him in Parliament. While we often find ourselves lined up on different sides of the issues, we are always united in our desire to make Canada a better country, and united in our respect for each other. Today, we are united in our support for one of our fellow MPs, who has contributed greatly to his country.

Jack, please know that you and Olivia will be in my and Zsuzsanna's thoughts and prayers each day as you take on this challenge. On behalf of the Liberal Party of Canada and our Parliamentary caucus, I wish you a fast recovery."

Bloc Quebecois Leader Gilles Duceppe

Cher Jack,

Permets-moi ces quelques mots pour t'exprimer mon entière solidarité dans cette épreuve qui t'afflige. Le dynamisme et la détermination que tu as toujours manifestés dans ton travail, à Ottawa, demeurent des armes qui favoriseront, j'en suis sûr, ton rétablissement rapide. J'espère ainsi te retrouver très bientôt à la Chambre des communes.

En mon nom personnel, au nom de ma conjointe Yolande Brunelle et au nom de toutes les députées et de tous les députés du Bloc Québécois, je te souhaite, du fond du cœur, un prompt rétablissement.


Gilles Duceppe
Chef du Bloc Québécois
 

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Brian Lilley is the Ottawa Bureau Chief for Newstalk 1010 in Toronto and CJAD 800 in Montreal. Follow Brian on Twitter to get the latest as it happens.

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