On August 22, Jack Layton, the leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP), passed away. He was only 61.
In the 2011 federal election last May, Layton led the NDP to a historic total of 103 seats and formed the Official Opposition. The success of the NDP in the election was unprecedented.
Canadians all across the country, regardless of their political beliefs, mourned following the news of his death. An impromptu memorial emerged on Parliament Hill. People brought stuffed animals, letters, flowers, knick-knacks and dozens of cans of Orange Crush—a rallying symbol for the party’s explosion in popularity during the federal election.
Layton leaves behind a political legacy and a very moving letter: “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.”
You can see the complete set of the memorial pictures on Flickr.
Salut Zhu,
I am American but, I like Canada very much. I followed Mr. Layton on the news(I watch Radio Canada every morning on TV5 in France) many a time.
I was very touched to hear of his passing. It sounded like he was a very good person to know.
RIP, Jack.
I didn’t know you watched/listened Radio Canada!
I was sad to learn he was actually sicker than I thought. He still had so much to bring to Canadians…
We were really sad when my dad told us the news … Mr Layton still had so much to do 🙁
I agree. Was the news relayed in France? Does anybody know him over there?
It’s so nice seeing the country coming together and honoring a man for his life and role in politics, especially from people who didn’t always agree with his politics, but nonetheless, still respected him. I think it says a lot about the kind of person Jack Layton was to have this level of respect.
I completely agree with you. I think a lot of Canadians weren’t always convinced by his vision (after all, until this year, the NDP was behind the Liberal Party!) but most respected the man.
I really like his last words. Inspiring! 🙂
He was a good guy.