Rest in Peace: Jack Layton

The leader of Canada’s Opposition, New Democrat Jack Layton passed away today. It was a little bit of a shock, when he stepped down to focus on his treatment for Cancer, after a great victory you could tell that it wasn’t a good situation. He has advocated for hope and optimism for Canada’s future – a great man and a great Canadian.

His last words, an open-letter to the people of Canada:

“And finally, to all Canadians: Canada is a great country, one of the hopes of the world. We can be a better one – a country of greater equality, justice, and opportunity. We can build a prosperous economy and a society that shares its benefits more fairly. We can look after our seniors. We can offer better futures for our children. We can do our part to save the world’s environment. We can restore our good name in the world. We can do all of these things because we finally have a party system at the national level where there are real choices; where your vote matters; where working for change can actually bring about change. In the months and years to come, New Democrats will put a compelling new alternative to you. My colleagues in our party are an impressive, committed team. Give them a careful hearing; consider the alternatives; and consider that we can be a better, fairer, more equal country by working together. Don’t let them tell you it can’t be done.

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.”

Jack Layton’s Letter to Canada

Jack Layton, you will be missed. (July 18, 1950 – August 22, 2011)