Tributes have been pouring in for federal NDP leader Jack Layton. He was a respected and beloved party leader who stood up for the common man/woman while still taking care of parliamentary business.
He resurrected the flailing party federally and brought in more MPs than have ever sat in Parliament. The official opposition has a strong role to play in this country’s politics. They are the ones who question the actions and policies of the party in power. They are the watch dogs of the process.
Jack Layton stood up for Canadians who are often unheard and unaccounted for in the business of running this country. He had no personal agenda and he is to be commended for that. While some who enter politics do so because of what is to be gained, Layton entered because of what he could give. He put Canadians and Canada first.
No matter where your political sentiments lie, it is a sad day when a strong and dedicated man is taken away too soon. He fought with dignity and honour against his cancer just as he did against his political opponents. We need more people like him to remind us of what a leader can and should be.
His last words were, “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.”
Rest in Peace Jack.
