Jack Layton, the New Democratic Party leader who led his party to Official Opposition status in this year’s federal election, has died after a battle with cancer. He was 61.

"We deeply regret to inform you that The Honourable Jack Layton, leader of the New Democratic Party of Canada, passed away at 4:45 am today, Monday, August 22," said a statement from his wife Olivia Chow and his children Sarah and Michael Layton. "He passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family and loved ones. Details of Mr. Layton’s funeral arrangements will be forthcoming."

Layton announced July 25 that he would take a leave of absence as party leader to fight a second, and evidently much more serious, bout of cancer.

“Your support and well wishes are so appreciated. Thank you,” Layton, posted to the social media site Twitter. “I will fight this and beat it."

It ended up being the last public announcement he would make in his long political career, which saw him evolve from campus activist to rabble-rousing left-wing municipal councilor to the most electorally successful leader of the federal New Democrats in history.

Jack Layton

I'm truly shocked to hear of Jack Layton's untimely passing. My family voted for his New Democratic Party recently. Mr Layton was a hero for working families.

Sad day for me since I was very optimistic that he would have made a difference as Leader of the opposition.

quote:

Originally posted by Abu Jihad:
Sad day for me since I was very optimistic that he would have made a difference as Leader of the opposition.

Ditto

wow, I thought he had a chance as he didn't make it sound critical when he spoke about it. He seemed like such a humble man.

This is a sad loss indeed.

RIP Jack.

Mourners hold a candlelight vigil in a park for NDP Leader Jack Layton who died Monday after a bout with cancer Monday, August 22, 2011 in Montreal.


Source: Globe and Mail (Canada)

quote:

Originally posted by chameli:


Mr. Layton was a man wid a mission...a man with a gentle soul who cared about everyone...the first time i met him was in 1999, i was added to his email list because of his wife (who is a child and family activist)...then i met him a few more times...and last yr at the Gerrard street festival...always ready to say hello.

I am grateful that he is no longer suffering...cancer devastates

RIP Mr Jack Layton

All this and you still didn't vote for him.