New Democrats reeling over the second cancer diagnosis for leader Jack Layton got more sad news when they learned the long-time partner of staffer Rob Sutherland had recently been diagnosed with advanced metastatic liver cancer.
Sutherland and Barry Simon are to be married tonight at the General campus of the Ottawa Hospital, where Simon is being treated.
Sutherland is a veteran Hill hand and procedural expert who has worked for MP Libby Davies and House Leader Tom Mulcair. He currently serves as chief of staff for NDP Whip Chris Charlton.