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RIP Jack Layton
Aug. 23rd, 2011 02:27 pmJack Layton, 61, the leader of Canada's New Democratic Party died yesterday after a battle cancer.
Ever since Jean Chretien left office and my faith in the Liberals went with him, I have supported Jack Layton and the NDP. This year he made Canadian history when he led the NDP to their first ever official opposition position against Harper's majority Conservative government. It was Jack's presence and enthusiasm, his honestly and integrity that saw a sea of orange surge into Parliament. It became known as the "Orange Crush".
He fought to end homelessness, he fought for gay rights, women's rights, worker's rights, the environment, universal health care... He dedicated his life to public and social issues.
I had really hoped to see him as Prime Minister one day. My only hope now is that the NDP can carry on the momentum he started, and find someone who is ready and able to step up to the plate and lead the NDP successfully into the future.
He will be receiving a state funeral, which in Canada are usually reserved for prime ministers, governors general, and current cabinet ministers.
"Layton's death is not only heartbreaking in how quickly it came after he announced his illness on July 25, but that it came so soon after what is considered to be Layton's greatest political achievement." Source
"'Jack Layton will be remembered for the force of his personality and his dedication to public life,' Harper said in a statement Monday afternoon, expressing his condolences.
Former prime minister Brian Mulroney said Layton managed to pull off a 'major achievement,' by taking what was once essentially a Prairie party and turning it into a mainstream, national force, and eventually Canada's Official Opposition. His other great achievement, Mulroney said, was to effectively eliminate the separatist Bloc Quebecois as a federal political party." Source
( Jack Layton's Final Letter to Canada )
My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world.
All my very best,
Jack Layton
You are going to be greatly missed Jack.
Ever since Jean Chretien left office and my faith in the Liberals went with him, I have supported Jack Layton and the NDP. This year he made Canadian history when he led the NDP to their first ever official opposition position against Harper's majority Conservative government. It was Jack's presence and enthusiasm, his honestly and integrity that saw a sea of orange surge into Parliament. It became known as the "Orange Crush".
He fought to end homelessness, he fought for gay rights, women's rights, worker's rights, the environment, universal health care... He dedicated his life to public and social issues.
I had really hoped to see him as Prime Minister one day. My only hope now is that the NDP can carry on the momentum he started, and find someone who is ready and able to step up to the plate and lead the NDP successfully into the future.
He will be receiving a state funeral, which in Canada are usually reserved for prime ministers, governors general, and current cabinet ministers.
"Layton's death is not only heartbreaking in how quickly it came after he announced his illness on July 25, but that it came so soon after what is considered to be Layton's greatest political achievement." Source
"'Jack Layton will be remembered for the force of his personality and his dedication to public life,' Harper said in a statement Monday afternoon, expressing his condolences.
Former prime minister Brian Mulroney said Layton managed to pull off a 'major achievement,' by taking what was once essentially a Prairie party and turning it into a mainstream, national force, and eventually Canada's Official Opposition. His other great achievement, Mulroney said, was to effectively eliminate the separatist Bloc Quebecois as a federal political party." Source
( Jack Layton's Final Letter to Canada )
My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world.
All my very best,
Jack Layton
You are going to be greatly missed Jack.
