There were two big winners in Canada’s recent federal election: Prime Minister Stephen Harper, and Jack Layton. Layton may have come in second, so to speak. But he ran away with the congeniality prize.<\/p>\n
Still using a cane after hip surgery and treatment for prostate cancer, Layton powered through an intense campaign with a positive message that vaulted his NDP party into official opposition status.<\/p>\n
It was very much a feel-good story, featuring heart, dedication and heroic stamina. So Canadians were much saddened to see a frail-looking Layton announce yesterday that he will temporarily step down as NDP leader to focus on recovering from a new cancer threat. (His full statement can be read here<\/a>.)<\/p>\n On an emotional level, this feels personal. Most of us know a loved one slogging through that particular drill: diagnosis, surgery, chemo or radiation. Some are walking that path themselves. It’s a life-changer, featuring an overload of struggle, hope and recovery…or death.\u00a0 Cancer is a hard journey, and not one we wish to see so often.<\/p>\n On a political level, this is significant too. To some extent, Layton is<\/em> the NDP, the best-known and most influential figure in that young party. Many of the NDP’s newly-elected MPs are relative newcomers. Layton’s absence creates a vacuum and much uncertainty<\/a>, which could mean the role of Prime Minister Stephen Harper becomes even more powerful.<\/p>\n The NDP will have to meet and choose an new interim leader.\u00a0Tobi Cohen of Postmedia News <\/a>reports there are at least two people in top contention for that role:<\/p>\n While many saw deputy leader Thomas Mulcair as the obvious choice, Layton recommended the party choose newly elected Quebec MP and former Public Service Alliance of Canada president Nycole Turmel.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n