Jack Layton, through his hard work, perseverance and courage had made history in Canada by making NDP as the Official Opposition with 103 seats in the last election. He had won big in Quebec by routing the separatist Bloc Quebecois and winning 58 seats in that province.
By Balwant Sanghera
Jack Layton’s untimely death is a tremendous loss to Canada. This champion of social justice had so endeared himself to Canadians that the whole country is in mourning. Raised in Hudson, Quebec, Layton rose to prominence in Toronto’s municipal politics. In this process, he gained an added profile with his election as president of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. In 2003, Layton entered the federal arena when he was elected leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP).
Since taking over as leader of the NDP, Jack Layton has transformed this party into a formidable political force. Under his leadership, the NDP vote doubled in the 2004 election. In the 2008 federal election, this party of the common ordinary working Canadians won 37 seats in the House of Commons. The election held on May 2 this year was out of the ordinary. Undergoing treatment for prostrate cancer and with a hip surgery, Layton impressed everyone with his courage, determination, commitment and vision of Canada during the campaign. It was a historic breakthrough for the NDP. The Orange Crush had prevailed in Canada and of all of the places in Quebec.
Jack Layton, through his hard work, perseverance and courage had made history in Canada by making NDP as the Official Opposition with 103 seats. He had won big in Quebec by routing the separatist Bloc Quebecois and winning 58 seats in that province. In his press conference last month, Layton had assured Canadians that he would be back in the House of Commons on Sptember19 to continue his fight for ordinary Canadians. Unfortunately, this was not in the cards for this courageous leader. In the early morning hours of August 22 he passed away peacefully at his home in Toronto surrounded by family and friends.
Jack Layton, through his three decades of public service has made an incredible contribution to Canada. To the end, he was an eternal optimist. Jack Layton was a consummate politician and a visionary. His passion for Canada always came through brightly. Even on his deathbed he was thinking of Canada and his fellow Canadians. His letter to Canadians written only couple of days before his death reflects his love for this nation and its people. The conclusion of his letter says it all: My friends love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So, let us be loving, hopeful and optimist. And we will change the world. All my very best.
Canada has lost a great leader and a visionary. Jack Layton will be sorely missed. To his credit, Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his government have declared that Layton will be accorded a state funeral. It is a rare and well-deserved honour for a great Canadian. May his soul rest in peace.
Balwant Sanghera is a retired School Psychologist and Community Activist.
