MONTREAL - NDP Leader Jack Layton was known all his life as a fighter, but ultimately lost his battle with cancer, dying Monday morning surrounded by family.
Hundreds gathered at a candlelight vigil Monday evening at the George-étienne Cartier Monument on Mount Royal to pay their respects to Layton.
Mourners sang songs and shared memories of the native Montrealer, as well as read Layton's last words.
"He was a really charismatic individual and he made me believe in change and made Canada hope that something could be different," said one person at the vigil.
Regardless of political views, many felt it was important to honour Layton and his contribution to Canada.
"I'm a lifelong Liberal, actually, but I thought it was so important to show my respect for soemone who's done so much for the country," said one person.
Personal popularity
His death at the peak of his political success has saddened admirers across Canada.
In Quebec, Layton's personal popularity was a key factor in the Orange Wave that swept the New Democratic Party into parliament as the Official Opposition for the first time.
The timing could not be more dramatic, said political analyst Robert Libman.
"On a personal level, how can his be more cruel? One of the biggest breakthroughs in Canadian political history... and not to savour the fruits of his victory," said Libman.
MP Tyrone Benskin, one of 59 NDP representatives from Quebec, said he was stunned when he heard Monday morning that Layton had passed away.
"I've had the pleasure of working in one capacity or another with Jack for many years now. There is a strong connection and a strong sense of loss," said Benskin.
Helene Laverdiere, the MP for Laurier Sainte Marie, says Layton's personal charisma, openness, and kindness were all genuine.
"I remember the first small group meeting we had in his office," said Laverdiere. "We were to discuss a foreign policy issue, and the big hug he gave me at the end of the meeting saying, 'Welcome we're so happy you're with us,' and I said, very truthfully, 'You cannot be as happy as I am to be with you.'"
Before his death Layton wrote a letter to Canadians, and included one paragraph for people from his home province of Quebec.
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To my fellow Quebecers: On May 2nd, you made an historic decision. You decided that the way to replace Canada's Conservative federal government with something better was by working together in partnership with progressive-minded Canadians across the country. You made the right decision then; it is still the right decision today; and it will be the right decision right through to the next election, when we will succeed, together. You have elected a superb team of New Democrats to Parliament. They are going to be doing remarkable things in the years to come to make this country better for us all. |
Layton's consistently positive method of campaigning won over Quebecers, even those who opposed NDP policies.
In the waning days of the spring election campaign, and throughout the summer, many who voted NDP said they were voting for Jack.
"What people were looking for was a leader, a leader that connected with them," said Benskin.
With the NDP currently led by an interim leader, and a host of rookies entering Ottawa, the party will have to work to maintain its support.
Benskin says that will not be a problem.
"People finally began to connect with the fact this was a man who wanted to work for them. and he chose a team of candidates who definitely felt the same way," said Benskin.
While Layton's hand-picked team will work in Ottawa, they will do so without the leadership of the man who came to embody the NDP.
"It's very sad on a human level that he will not be able to walk into the House of Commons as Leader of the Official Opposition," said Libman.
City council honours fellow politician
At city council, politicians of all stripes paid tribute to the man.
"I lost an ally, I lost friend. I lost someone that every time he had a major issue, (he would) phone me and say, ‘What do you think about this?'" said Mayor Gerald Tremblay.
"He cared about people. He was very close to the citizens and everyday he would talk to the citizens. That was his strength and that's why people loved him a lot," he said.
Opposition leader Louise Harel remembered him as a member of the family.
"He had an engaging personality, and values, convictions. We'll miss him," she said.
Tremblay described Layton as a politician with an important skill: the ability to listen.
"When you take the time to really listen to what people have to say, then it's easier to advocate issues that are the primary concern of people on a daily basis," he said. "I think that was his strength."
Funeral in Toronto
Jack Layton will be honoured with a rare state funeral, traditionally offered only to current and former governors general, current and former prime ministers and current members of cabinet.
A spokesman for Harper says the prime minister exercised his discretion and offered Layton's wife, Olivia Chow, a state funeral which she accepted.
The funeral service is expected to be held Saturday at Toronto's Roy Thomson Hall.
