In February 2010, Jack Layton announced that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer. At a press conference held a few minutes ago in Toronto, he announced that recent tests had shown that his battle against that cancer “was going very well.” Unfortunately, he continued, “in the closing days of the most recent session of the House of Commons, I started suffering from some stiffness and some pain.” Further testing has led to a diagnosis of a new form of cancer (more details were not provided at today’s announcement). Layton will therefore be taking a leave of absence from his current position as leader of the NDP in order to focus on fighting this new cancer. His intention is to return in September, when parliament resumes sitting. In the meantime, the NDP federal council will convene to appoint an interim leader; Layton is recommending Hull-Aylmer MP Nycole Turmel be given the post. “If I’ve tried to bring anything to federal politics it’s the idea that hope and optimism can be at their heart,” said Layton after breaking the news. Today Canadians of all political stripes are expressing their own hopes for Layton’s recovery.