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 أخبار العرب - كندا: NDP Leader Jack Layton has died at the age of 61, following the charismatic politician's second bout with cancer.

A statement from Layton's family issued this morning indicates the well-liked political leader passed away peacefully at his home. "We deeply regret to inform you that The Honourable Jack Layton, leader of the New Democratic Party of Canada, passed away at 4:45 am today, Monday August 22. He passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family and loved ones. Details of Mr. Layton's funeral arrangements will be forthcoming." A tweet from CBC host Jian Ghomeshi indicates that Layton may have written a letter to Canadians, which his wife Olivia Chow is expected to release sometime in the near future. Layton's death comes just shy of a month after he made a public appearance to announce he was once again battling cancer. During the Toronto press conference the usually energetic leader looked gaunt and sick. Speaking to the crowd Layton said although he had beaten his prostate cancer, he had been diagnosed with a second type of cancer and on the advice of his doctors, he was going to focus on treatment and recovery.
"I'm going to fight this cancer now, so that I can be back to fight for families when parliament resumes," Layton said. The second bout with cancer came only shortly after Layton managed to win the position of leader of the Official Opposition in the latest election. Condolences followed Layton's death almost immediately, with everyone from the prime minister to several former mayors of Toronto chiming in on the late politicians life. Former mayor Mel Lastman, who often went toe-to-toe with Layton on political issues, summed up his feelings toward Layton's legacy. "Yes, (we went toe-to-toe), but only on the issues, never personally," Lastman said. "I liked Jack, I respected Jack, and you can't help but respect a guy like that."His sentiments were repeated by other leaders, most of who echoed their respect and admiration for the late politician. A complete summary of the reaction can be found here. Born in Montreal, Quebec in the summer of 1950, Layton was a charismatic leader who was well liked across the country. His father was a politician by trade, serving as a Conservative cabinet minister in the Brian Mulroney government. Layton was first elected to Toronto City Council in 1981, where he spent 20 years as a thorn in the left side of Conservative mayors. He ran for mayor of Toronto twice, and although he lost both times, he managed to become the leader of the NDP in 2003.In the years that followed Layton would bring the NDP from something of a third party to mainstream success, winning the title of Official Opposition in the most recent election.During his storied career Layton also taught at Ryerson University and served as chair of several committees in the city, including a stint as the chair of the Toronto Board of Health. Layton's first marriage to high-school sweetheart Sally Halford produced two children but ended in 1981. Layton would eventually marry Olivia Chow, another active politician in Toronto. The two become known as a power couple across the city, fighting for social action and the rights of all Canadians. It was his brash personality and unwillingness to back down that earned Layton the reputation as a passionate and tough politician. That reputation as a fighter would stay with Layton until, and even after, his death.
 

   with CBC Host Jian Ghomeshi  With wife Olivia Chow

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Khalid Mustafa Qanah / B.C.: God Bless his Sole, He was a Great Man.

Jack Layton is a man of a great Charisma, his true smile pleased every one watching him talking, or socializing, because his true smile is coming out of his heart, and not a faked one like other politicians. He will be greatly missed by all sincere Canadians, may God Bless his sole, and bring comfort to his wife and children.

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أغسطس 23, 2011
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