'Jack was an inspiring leader. He was a highly principled and infectiously optimistic man. This is indeed a sad day for all Canadians.'- James Clancy.
Ottawa (22 August 2011) – The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) joins all Canadians in mourning the death of the Honourable Jack Layton, leader of the New Democratic Party of Canada and the Official Opposition.
“Jack was an inspiring leader,” said National President James Clancy. “He was a highly principled and infectiously optimistic man. This is indeed a sad day for all Canadians.”
“Our deepest sympathies go out to his partner Olivia and his children and his many many friends and admirers.”
Layton's optimism and hopes for the future were demonstrated in his letter to Canadians released shortly after his death (for full text click here). In it he says:
"And finally, to all Canadians: 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....Don't let them tell you it can't be done."
Layton became leader of the NDP in 2003, after having sat on the Toronto City Council where he periodically served as acting mayor and deputy mayor. He was elected Member of Parliament for Toronto—Danforth in 2004.
Under his leadership the NDP made considerable gains in political influence. This culminated in the unprecedented electoral showing for the party in the 2011 election where it, for the first time, became the official opposition.
“Jack was a smart politician but we can't forget that he also possessed a strong social conscience. He was a decent and generous person who always strove to raise the political discourse in this country to the highest level of civility,” said Clancy.
“For him politics was about working together, moving forward and building a better future for everyone. All of us must work to see his goals for Canadian political life achieved.”
The Honourable Jack Layton, leader of the New Democratic Party of Canada, passed away on Monday August 22, 2011, peacefully at his home surrounded by family and loved ones. Details of Mr. Layton’s funeral arrangements will be forthcoming.
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE
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