Jack Layton

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Jack Layton may not have meant very much to some people, but I think he should be remembered as a revolutionary and inspiration. The work he did for Canada In the time he was alive was astonishing.

John Gilbert “Jack” Layton was born in Hudson, Quebec. His dad, who was a progressive conservative was one of the people that helped to interest Jack in politics, though in the future, Jack Layton’s views were farther left. In 1984, he completed his PhD in Political science. He was elected onto the Toronto City council for many years, until he began pursuing the leadership role of the NDP party.

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In 2003 he was elected leader of the NDP (New Democrats Party). His first election came in 2004, where he stood out when he accused Paul Martin (The PM at that time) of being responsible for the rise of the homeless population despite the deaths of the homeless in the eleven years the liberal party was in power. He claimed this was due to insufficient funds and lack of action taken to improve the living conditions of the homeless. However, though NDP gained notoriety, the liberals won a minority government. Jack Layton still won in his riding, And was able to set multiple changes in the House of Commons.

Jack Layton spoke for the common people and gave a voice for those in need. At his funeral the National Chief for the Assembly of First Nations, Shaw Atleo, offered an aboriginal blessing calling Jack Layton “A man of the people”. Jack was charismatic, courageous and persistent. When it came to issues like the war in Afghanistan Jack pushed for peacekeeping and less unnecessary violence. He also helped the wheel begin to turn concerning the Clean Air Act, an act which assesses air pollution and quality, and related laws. In the 2011 election, he led the NDP to a record breaking high, making NDP gain the status of the official opposition. However, tragedy struck in February when Jack was diagnosed with cancer.

Jack left Parliament in June but swore he would beat the cancer and return in September. But all treatment failed and on August 22 he passed away. But before his death, Jack wrote a touching letter to the people of Canada, addressing fellow cancer patients, his party, and young people of Canada, saying “I believe in you. Your energy, your vision, your passion for justice are exactly what this country needs today.” Jack Layton was a hero, a role-model and an inspirations, a representation of hope and change.