Condolences are pouring in for NDP leader Jack Layton, who passed away from cancer Monday at the age of 61.
Layton, who had been battling cancer for more than a year, “passed away peacefully surrounded by family and loved ones” at 4:45 a.m., his family said in a statement.
Layton’s wife, Olivia Chow, is NDP MP for Trinity-Spadina in Toronto, while his son, Michael Layton, sits as a city councillor in Toronto, where Layton began his own political career in 1982.
Layton later headed up the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM). In 2003, he took leadership of the federal NDP and led the party to successive gains in each of the following elections.
One of Layton’s greatest triumphs occurred earlier this year when he led his party to official opposition status for the first time in the history of Canadian politics.
Although diagnosed with prostate cancer in February 2010 and relying on a cane after surgery for a broken hip, Layton forged ahead during the spring election campaign, forcing the Liberal Party into third place for the first time since confederation in 1867.
“Your support and well wishes are so appreciated,” Layton said in his last tweet on July 25, the day he stepped aside to fight a “non-prostate cancer.” “Thank you. I will fight this—and beat it.”
Prime Minister Stephen Harper said he was “deeply saddened” to hear of Layton’s death.
“On behalf of all Canadians, I salute Jack’s contribution to public life, a contribution that will be sorely missed,” Harper said in a statement.
In a letter delivered after his passing, Layton wrote that other cancer patients should not be discouraged by his death.
“You must not lose your own hope. Treatments and therapies have never been better in the face of this disease. You have every reason to be optimistic, determined, and focused on the future. My only other advice is to cherish every moment with those you love at every stage of your journey, as I have done this summer.”
After lying in state on Parliament Hill Wednesday and Thursday, a celebration of Layton’s life will be held at Roy Thompson Hall in Toronto on Saturday, when he will also be honoured with a state funeral.
Interim NDP leader Nycole Turmel said the party is mourning the loss of a great Canadian.
“Jack was a courageous man. It was his leadership that inspired me, and so many others, to run for office. We—Members of Parliament, New Democrats and Canadians—need to pull together now and carry on his fight to make this country a better place,” she wrote.
‘The happy warrior’
Condolences have poured in from dignitaries across the country. Governor General David Johnston wrote that Layton was held in high esteem by Canadians.
“Throughout his career as a community leader and politician, he constantly strived to bring people together in the common cause of building a better Canada, and he did so with great energy and commitment. His fundamental decency and his love of our country serve as examples to us all, and he will be greatly missed.”
Former Governor General Michaëlle Jean said Canada lost a man of “courage and great integrity.”
U.S. Ambassador David Jacobson said he would never forget the image of Jack Layton campaigning as “the happy warrior.”
“His energy, enthusiasm, and passion for politics and for the Canadian people were undeniable.”
Noël A. Kinsella, Speaker of the Senate, said Layton was a parliamentarian who truly believed great things could be accomplished through solidarity.
“Jack developed a reputation as a fighter, which he carried throughout his life. He has worked with determination and conviction to serve all Canadians.”
Groups looking to Layton as a champion of their cause are also in mourning. Ontario Federation of Labour President Sid Ryan described him as a “giant of a leader.”
“He was an incomparable leader and human being and we shall miss him greatly,” said Ryan.
Layton is credited by current FCM president Berry Vrbanovic with laying the foundation for the Green Municipal Fund and other infrastructure investments.
“Today municipal leaders have lost a strong advocate and a loyal friend,” wrote Vrbanovic. “Our one consolation is that Canada and its communities will continue to benefit from Jack’s legacy. The most fitting tribute to him would be to build on it.”
Many other groups, individuals, and elected officials have sent their condolences.
Layton’s family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to the Broadbent Institute, a recently announced social democrat think tank being developed in part by former NDP leader Ed Broadbent.
Those wishing to leave a message for Layton’s family can do so in an online condolences book at NDP.ca.
With files from Matthew Little
