Jack Layton's absence to continue on into September

When NDP federal caucus members gather in Quebec City in September to discuss policy and strategy for the upcoming Parliamentary calendar, they'll do so without their leader, as Jack Layton continues on with his battle with cancer.

The NDP announced on Wednesday, that Mr. Layton would not be in attendance at the retreat, leaving Nycole Turmel, the interim leader as the one to set the policy agendas for the resumption of Parliament in September.

There had been hopes that Layton would be able to make his first appearance since the announcement of his renewed health struggles, but the nature of his treatment program it would seem has changed his timetable.

The NDP is still hopeful that their leader will be back in the House of Commons on September 19th, ready to take on the duties as the Leader of the Opposition.

His absence at the helm through the summer, has left the NDP caucus seemingly adrift at times, a situation that has been exacerbated by the volume of new NDP MP's who rode the Layton wave into Parliament and now must find a way to continue on with his enthusiastic agenda, while temporarily losing his guiding hand.


CTV-- Layton won't attend NDP summer caucus retreat
Toronto Sun-- Jack Layton to miss upcoming NDP meeting
National Post-- Layton to miss NDP caucus meetings, but still hopes to be back at work for Sept. 19
Toronto Star-- No plans for Layton to attend caucus retreat prior to Parliament's resumption
Globe and Mail-- Jack Layton 'doing well'  - but September return far from certain