Political leaders react to passing of Jack Layton
Posted Aug 22, 2011 10:28:24 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
TORONTO, Ont. – The passing of one of Canada’s most well-liked and charismatic leaders, NDP Leader Jack Layton, prompted a wide response from Canadian politicians and public figures.
Layton received praise, warm thoughts and well wishes from a wide variety of leaders, some of whom were once political contestants with the late leader.
Statements were released by Prime Minister Stephen Harper, former mayor Mel Lastman, former mayor David Miller and Liberal Leader Bob Rae.
Former prime minister Jean Chretien also appeared on CBC to speak about Layton’s legacy.
On Twitter many people were sharing their condolonces and resting praise on the late politician after his death.
Mayor Rob Ford used Twitter to give his “deepest condolensces to Jack Layton’s family. Jack may you rest in peace.”
Governor General David Johnston tweeted that he “learned with great sadness we just lost Jack Layton. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”
The full aforementioned statements can be found below:
Prime Minister Stephen Harper:
“I was deeply saddened to learn this morning of the death of Jack Layton. When I last spoke with Jack following his announcement in July, I wished him well and he told me he’d be seeing me in the House of Commons in the fall.”
“This, sadly, will no longer come to pass. On behalf of all Canadians, I salute Jack’s contribution to public life, a contribution that will be sorely missed. I know one thing: Jack gave his fight against cancer everything he had. Indeed, Jack never backed down from any fight.”
“To his wife Olivia, his family, and to his colleagues and friends, Laureen and I offer our heartfelt condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time,” Harper said in his statement.
Former Mayor Mel Lastman:
“I was deeply saddened this morning to learn about the passing of Jack Layton.”
“I had the opportunity to serve with Jack for over two decades on the Toronto City Council, and several other governing bodies, where I saw firsthand his deep commitment to helping improve the lives of so many people, especially those who were struggling and living on the street.”
“Jack brought a sincere and very compassionate human touch to the issue and was a strong advocate for those that needed help. He was also a very active environmentalist who supported a long-term city vision approach.”
“As NDP leader, he took the party to unbelievable historic heights. He also strongly believed in the things that he said and did unlike many other elected officials.”
“Jack debated the most important issues with passion, understanding and belief, and for that you had to respect him.”
“I offer my sincere condolences to his wife Olivia, his children and the Layton family,” Lastman said in his statement.
Former Mayor David Miller:
“I am extremely saddened to receive the news of Jack Layton’s passing and want to extend my condolences to Olivia and to Jack’s entire family.”
“I had the privilege of knowing Jack for 25 years, proudly serving with him at the City of Toronto before he was elected as a Member of Parliament.”
“Whether as a city councillor or as an MP, Jack always fought hard, and successfully, to make a better world for all Torontonians and Canadians.”
“As a councillor, his leadership in fighting against homelessness and for our environment both resulted in permanent change for the better.”
“He has left a national legacy not just as the most successful leader of the New Democratic Party, but as the former President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) where he built a strong national consensus between urban and rural Canada, and between municipal politicians of all political parties resulting in national investment in Canada’s cities and towns.”
“His progressive leadership – and his personal courage and relentless optimism – are going to be very much missed,” Miller said in his statement.
Liberal Leader Bob Rae:
“Like all Canadians, Arlene and I are deeply saddened by the death of Jack Layton. He was a friend of ours for many years, and despite our political differences his decency, good humour and extraordinary resilience earned our deep admiration. We remained friends throughout our political lives.”
“On behalf of the Liberal Party of Canada and our Parliamentary Caucus, I express our deep condolences to Olivia and Jack’s family, as well as to his colleagues and friends in the New Democratic Party. He leaves a powerful legacy of a commitment to social justice in his work in Toronto as a city councillor and as a national leader.”
“Peace and comfort to all. When David Lewis passed away Stanley Knowles ended his eulogy with the words ‘shalom chaver, shalom.’ Peace brother, peace.”
Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty:
“I was saddened today to hear of the passing of Jack Layton. Canada has lost a great Canadian.”
“Throughout his life and career, Jack was a determined servant of the people. He always worked hard to represent his constituents, their interests and their needs. He was always a tireless champion for people and our communities. Ontarians and indeed, all Canadians, will miss his passion, hard work and fighting spirit.”
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Olivia and all of Jack’s family and friends,” McGuinty said in his statement.
