Federal NDP leader loses his battle with cancer

Jack Layton

It is with great sadness that The Shiretown Blogger announces the passing of Canadian New Democratic Party leader Jack Layton. Layton was battling a second bout of cancer and lost his battle this morning at the age of 61.

Born July 18, 1950 in Montreal and raised in Hudson, Quebec, Layton later studied political science at McGill University. He then went to York University in Toronto to obtain a PhD in political science, and was even a professor at Ryerson University at one time.

Jack Layton was no stranger to politics, serving on Toronto city council during the 1980s and 1990s. In 2003, he was elected leader of the NDP party. Under Layton's leadership, the NDP gained more and more popularity in every election. The NDP finished second in the May 2, 2011 federal election. This was the first time ever that the New Democratic Party formed the Official Opposition.

Jack Layton announced on February 5, 2010 that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer. He was not going to allow it to interfere with his duties with Parliament and leadership of the NDP. He underwent hip surgery in early 2011, and limped around on a cane for the majority of the 2011 campaign. On July 25, 2011, a frail and thin Jack Layton announced that he had been diagnosed with a new, undisclosed form of cancer.

Jack Layton speaking at the July 25, 2011 press conference where he announced his second diagnosis with cancer.

He was hoping to return in time for the beginning of the upcoming session of Parliament on September 19, 2011. In the meantime, Layton recommended that NDP caucus chair Nycole Turmel serve as interim leader. 

Jack Layton died on August 22, 2011 at 4:45 am at his home in Toronto. A state funeral is planned for August 27, 2011, at Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto. 

New Brunswick Premier David Alward issued the following statement on Jack Layton's death on Monday, August 22, 2011. 

I was saddened to learn this morning of the death of New Democratic Party Leader Jack Layton after his long battle with cancer.

Mr. Layton was a tireless defender of the rights of all Canadians. His passing leaves a void not just in the leadership of his party, but in our country's political conversation.

Mr. Layton was raised in a political family and served the people of his adopted hometown of Toronto for many years as a city councillor, an academic and an environmentalist before becoming national New Democratic Party leader.

Throughout his career, Mr. Layton passionately advanced issues that mattered to him, his party and his constituents. His struggle to fight cancer while providing positive leadership in his work as an MP and party leader was a testament to his dedication to his community and his country.

On behalf of the Province of New Brunswick, I express my condolences to his wife, Olivia, his children, Sarah and Michael, his family, friends and colleagues across Canada for their great loss.

Source: Communications New Brunswick