Local M.P.s state support for leader as he fights cancer

News Release
John Rafferty, M.P.

New Democrat Leader Jack Layton today announced he has recently been diagnosed with prostate cancer, and will continue to lead the party while undergoing treatment in the coming months. Northwestern Ontario MPs John Rafferty (Thunder Bay – Rainy River) and Bruce Hyer (Thunder Bay – Superior North) immediately offered their condolences and support through Layton’s treatment period, expected to start immediately.
“Jack Layton is a terrific leader and a great person who is going through an extremely difficult period. He knows that his New Democrat family and the Canadian public are behind him and I am certain his treatment will prove successful,” Rafferty said from Atikokan. “We are fully behind him, and wish him the best.”
Speaking in Greenstone where he was holding a Town Hall meeting as part of a riding tour, Bruce Hyer said “My personal experience with cancer last year has shown me that with treatment and support, it can be successfully overcome. It wasn’t easy, but I continued to work during my treatment period. I want to offer my support to Jack, and his family, as he does the same. I have never known anyone with more energy, determination and perseverance than our leader, qualities that will serve him well in the months ahead.”