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Jack Layton dead at 61
The federal leader of the opposition died early this morning at his home in Ontario.
Jack Layton, 61, died “peacefully at his home,” according to a statement issued to media earlier today (Monday, August 22) by his wife NDP MP Olivia Chow and his children.
Layton had been fighting an undisclosed form of cancer, which forced him to step aside as party leader earlier this summer after he led the NDP from its perennial status as Canada’s ‘third’ national party to Official Opposition in the stunning surge experienced during the May 2 federal election.
The dynamic and exuberant ‘Smiling Jack’ led the NDP through the election campaign while fighting prostate cancer and a fractured hip. He had been leader of the federal New Democrats since 2003, following
He had led the NDP since 2003, and had just turned 61 on July 18.
Layton appeared in the region twice so far this year, doing his best to stump for Kootenay-Columbia NDP candidate Mark Shmigelsky, of Invermere. He spent an hour with Shmigelsky and a group of regional seniors at Hot Shots Café on Victoria Avenue on January 24. He also made a stirring April 4 appearance at the Mission Hills Golf Course during the election campaign, bringing a national spotlight on Cranbrook.
Shmigelsky, working the night shift at the Canal Flats Tembec Mill, provided a mobile Facebook note: “Shocked, saddened and devastated. My condolences to Olivia and family. Thank you Jack. Thank you.”
Kootenay-Columbia MP David Wilks also stated on Facebook: “My thoughts and prayers are with the Layton family today. Although Mr. Layton’s politics were on the other side of mine, he was a fine gentleman and was very well respected on the Hill and a great leader for his party. Rest in Peace.”
B.C. Premier Christy Clark issued the following statement at 9 a.m. today (August 22): “It was with great sadness that we learned today of the passing of federal New Democrat Party leader Jack Layton.
“A passionate Canadian, Jack Layton was a tireless advocate and his energy, dedication and intelligence have been at the service of Canadians since his days as a municipal politician.
“Mr. Layton inspired Canadians during his first battle with cancer and we were all behind him during his second courageous fight.
“He was a dedicated public servant who earned the respect of Canadians for his clear desire to build a better country and his constant goodwill.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to Olivia and the entire Layton family.”
Layton was born in Montreal on July 18, 1950. In 1970 he moved to Toronto, where he went about arming himself with a Ph.D. in political science, which he first used as a professor at Ryerson University, and then established himself as a key character in City of Toronto politics as a scruffy, bike-riding councilor who fought on behalf of the homeless.
Layton’s ties to politics in Canada stretch all the way back to Confederation, as his great grand uncle William Steeves was a Father of Confederation.
After stepping aside from politics for a ‘summer rest,’ Layton appointed rookie Quebec MP Nycole Turmel as interim leader.
It is not yet known what the NDP will do in regards to its leadership at this time.
Ian Cobb/e-KNOW
