Today Canadians are mourning the tragic death of NDP leader Jack Layton, who died of cancer at the early age of 61.
Ever the optimist, Jack spent his life fighting for social justice, workers’ rights, health care, and the rights of disadvantaged Canadians. His legacy provides a number of lessons about how opposition inside and outside Parliament can work together for peace and justice. He will also go down in history as the first federal NDP leader to form the official opposition in Parliament.
Canadian news sites, forums and social networks were abuzz with tributes to Jack Layton this morning as news of his death spread.
“I’m so sorry to hear of Jack Layton's passing. A great Canadian.” tweeted MGEU President Lois Wales.
A letter from Layton to all Canadians was released this morning. In it, he thanked people across the country for their support in recent weeks and offered words of encouragement to friends, members of his caucus and all Canandians.
“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,” said Layton.
A book in which the public can express their condolences to Layton’s family has been placed at the front lobby of the Manitoba Legislative Building. It’s available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. until Monday, Aug. 29