Jack Layton, the charismatic leader of Canada’s official opposition, lost his battle with cancer this week just months after leading the left-wing New Democratic Party to its best ever showing and reshaping Canada’s political landscape.
Layton’s political instincts, his cheerful personality and relentless campaigning style propelled the NDP from one of the smallest parties in the House of Commons to the largest opposition party, pushing aside the venerable Liberal Party that had battled the Conservatives for control of Parliament for much of Canadian history.
Layton, 61, had been diagnosed with prostate cancer in late 2009. Yet he continued working throughout his treatment. Earlier this year he also battled a broken hip. Layton used a cane for much of his time on the campaign trail this spring as he led the NDP to its historic victory on May 2.
But in late July, looking gaunt and drained of his usual energy, Layton announced to the country that he was fighting a new form of cancer and was taking time off for treatment.
Tributes to the late politician flowed from across Canada: from Twitter to local radio shows. Political allies and foes alike praised Layton’s personal qualities.
‘On behalf of all Canadians, I salute Jack’s contribution to public life, a contribution that will be sorely missed,’ said Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper. ‘I know one thing: Jack gave his fight against cancer everything he had. Indeed, Jack never backed down from any fight.’
And even as he realized that he was losing his own fight with cancer, Layton urged others not to despair.
B.C. NDP Leader Adrian Dix said: “Jack was an extraordinary leader and an even more extraordinary person. His impact was such that his loss feels to many of us like a loss in our own family.
“While the country is the poorer for Jack’s passing, Canada is richer for his immense contribution over a lifetime in politics. Wherever he went and whoever he met, Jack made his mark with his optimism, dynamism and boundless energy.
“Jack Layton had a special ability to connect with the hopes and aspirations of ordinary people and young people especially. He was always focused on bringing positive change to Canada and we saw that in the extraordinary results in the last election.
“As we grieve, we also commit ourselves to continue to build on his legacy and the principals he fought for all his political life.”
Vancouver City Councillor Suzanne Anton described Layton as one of those leaders who connected with people, who gave so much of himself to improving our cities and our country.
Even as he was dying, Layton continued to show his love for Canada.
In a letter to Canadians penned just hours before his death Layton wrote:
“Canada is a great country, one of the hopes of the world. We can be a better one – a country of greater equality, justice, and opportunity. We can build a prosperous economy and a society that shares its benefits more fairly. We can look after our seniors. We can offer better futures for our children. We can do our part to save the world’s environment. We can restore our good name in the world.
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.”
Thank you Jack, you will be missed.