Jack Layton, leader of Canada's official Opposition, has stepped down after test results showed he has more cancer, and SFU public policy professor Doug McArthur is calling it a real blow to the NDP.
"He's been the focus point, he's provided the leadership," McArthur said. "People like him personally. They liked the way he worked hard and spoke to the issues." McArthur said it would be difficult for the party if Layton were not able to continue forward.
In a July 25 statement, Layton announced he would step aside as leader of the federal New Democrats and focus on his health. Layton was already battling prostate cancer, but test results have detected a new kind of cancer.
"In the closing days of the most recent session of the House of Commons, I suffered from some stiffness and pain," Layton wrote. "After the House rose, I undertook a series of tests at Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto. My battle against prostate cancer is going very well. My PSA (prostate-specific antigen) levels remain virtually undetectable. However, these tests, whose results I received last week, also indicate that I have a new, non-prostate cancer that will require further treatment."
Layton went on to say he was following doctors' advice and is taking a temporary leave of absence as NDP leader. Nycole Turmel, an MP from Quebec, will be the interim leader, and Layton plans on being back on the job when parliament meets on Sept. 19. Turmel is the national chair of the NDP's Parliamentary caucus.
"If I have tried to bring anything to federal politics, it is the idea that hope and optimism should be at their heart," Layton wrote. "I am hopeful and optimistic about the personal battle that lies before me in the weeks to come."
MacArthur said it's too early to speak of a possible candidate for replacement.
"No doubt veteran party members will be trying to keep the team together," he said, adding if Layton is able to get through his treatment and return to the job in September, there won't be a serious problem.
"The Liberals and the NDP are obviously in struggle to try to be the second party in the next election. I'm sure the Liberals would feel more confident if they didn't have to face Jack as the leader, but they've got troubles of their own."
