AUGUST 22, 2011 – As the country mourns the loss of a great and inspirational leader, we remember Jack Layton’s contributions to the City of Toronto and to Canada. Born in Montreal in 1950, Jack studied at McGill and then moved to Toronto where he completed a Phd in Political Science at York University. He became involved in politics at a young age and went on to be elected as a Toronto City Councillor, where he yielded countless campaigns. After years in activism and politics, Jack became the leader of the federal New Democratic Party, and was known simply as “Jack” in the media and in the communities he visited.
He was the MP for Toronto-Danforth, where he attended many rallies, fund raisers and community events. “Jack’s idealism was real and heartfelt. He believed that we as Torontonians, we as Canadians, had an opportunity and responsibility to work together to make our world a better place for all of us. We can’t let Jack’s vision die with Jack. He took Canada and the NDP to new heights, and we are all better for it.”, said Steven Page, formerly of the Bare Naked Ladies, resident of Riverdale-Danforth, a friend to Jack, and played many fund raisers for Jack over the years.
Jack was an outspoken advocate for the homeless and other marginalized groups in Toronto. He was an instrumental leader for the White Ribbon Campaign – a campaign to mobilize men to end violence against women. Jack stood up for bike lanes in the Toronto, and lead the way on many environmental campaigns in Toronto and across the country, campaigning for alternative energy sources. He came up with the idea of giving commercial building owners retrofit loans, which created jobs and reduced energy costs.
The labour movement in particular will never forget Jack’s contribution and inspiration; he was a crusader for workers’ rights, always standing up for the betterment of workers in this country. Jack was proud of his and the NDP’s strong ties to labour; he supported striking workers, he supported collective bargaining and he always and above all, stood up for working Canadian families.
Jack’s many campaigns raised awareness, influenced change, marked Canadian history, and simply made us talk – each making up a small piece of Jack’s legacy, that cumulatively will continue to have tremendous impact.
We will miss you, Jack.
- Jack’s Letter to Canadians
- How to Express Your Condolences
- Donate to the Broadbent Institute in memory of Jack Layton