Two years to the day (August 22) after his death a statue was unveiled in the city of Toronto to honour Canadian politician Jack Layton.
In the 2011 federal election, the opposition social democratic leader led the New Democratic Party (NDP) to an unparalleled success, taking the party to Official Opposition status for the first time in the party’s history.
The party continues to be the Official Opposition, but Layton, who had had to use a cane during the election campaign because of a hip problem, died only months after the victory of cancer at the age of 61.
Jack Layton, the leader of the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP), campaigning during the 2011 federal election. (Photo: Darryl Dyck/CP)
The outpouring of sympathy in Toronto (where he had been a city councillor) and across the country surprised many observers.
His widow, NDP Member of Parliament Olivia Chow (in yellow dress in photo) was among those who spoke about Layton’s determination to face challenges with a smile.
The statue is a gift of the Ontario Federation of Labour to the city of Toronto.
It portrays Layton on a tandem bicycle, which he and his family often used, and he’s sitting on the back seat, covering the back of whoever sits on the front seat of the sculpture.
“When we rode together, I had Jack’s back,” said Chow. “Now Jack has your back.”
In a letter to Canadians before his death, Layton wrote: “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.”
More information:
CBC News – Jack Layton memorial statue unveiled – here
CBC News – The death and legacy of Jack Layton – here
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