By Nigel Maxwell

Former FSIN chief calls Jack Layton a warrior

Jul 27, 2011 | 11:22 AM

Support continues to pour in for Jack Layton.

The federal NDP leader is taking a leave of absence for a few weeks to concentrate on treatment for his latest bout of cancer.

“It takes great courage for any individual to step back and say, ‘look I need to fight a personal battle.’ Jack Layton is that man. With his pledge to fight this illness he will be back,” said Lawrence Joseph, who ran as the NDP candidate for Desnethe-Missinippi-Churchill River riding in the last federal election.

Joseph said he was deeply saddened to hear the news — he called Jack Layton a true warrior.

Joseph said he was always impressed with the way Layton appeared to care for everyone.

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“He actually stopped in Sturgeon Lake to help a family who was stranded at the side of the road. He stopped by and gave them a boost,” Joseph said.

Joseph said the announcement this week is a setback for the party.

“On the level of leader, I think it is a bit of a setback in the terms of the man himself. Where else are you going to find a person with authentic and real concerns for persons, not just the upper class, but also Canadians as a whole, including of course us as First Nations people,” Joseph said.

The NDP caucus selected Hull-Alymer MP, Nycole Turmel, this morning as the interim leader.

nmaxwell@panow.com