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Federal opposition leader Jack Layton has announced he's battling a new cancer, and is temporarily stepping aside as leader of the New Democrats to focus on treatment.

Layton was diagnosed with prostate cancer in February 2010, and recent tests found a new type of cancer that requires immediate treatment. He did not identify the type of cancer.

Layton says his fight against prostate cancer is going very well, and is confident this new cancer will also be beaten.

He added an interim leader will take over until he returns, and he intends to come back in time for the next session of Parliament, which is scheduled to begin on September 19.

 

Politicians across Canada are wishing Layton well as he prepares to battle cancer again. Prime Minister Stephen Harper says he salutes the courage Layton continues to show in his fight against cancer, and wished him a successful recovery.

Interim Liberal Leader Bob Rae says he was saddened by the news, and added that Layton is an incredibly resilient man who does not give up a fight.

Saskatchewan NDP Leader Dwain Lingenfelter said he has every confidence that Layton's optimism and passion for life will help him prevail, and is looking forward to working with him when he returns to Parliament.

 

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