# Jack Layton

John Gilbert "Jack" Layton (July 18, 1950 – August 22, 2011) was a Canadian politician and leader of the Official Opposition. He was leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP) from 2003 to 2011 and previously sat on Toronto City Council, occasionally holding the title of acting mayor or deputy mayor of Toronto during his tenure as city councillor. He was the member of Parliament (MP) for Toronto—Danforth from 2004 until his death.

## Quotes

* "If it's a flash it's been an awfully long flash. I've been around for 20 years in one of the largest media and political markets in the country, so I'd call it more of a slow burn."
** On criticism that he is an unknown, Jan. 26, 2003.
* We want to challenge the established ideas with new ideas.
** In his victory speech after winning the NDP leadership on the first ballot, Jan. 26, 2003.
* This gorgeous Chinese girl gets up and I fell in love instantly.
** On meeting Olivia Chow for the first time in 1985, May 2003.
* Politics matters. Ideas matter. Democracy matters.
** First sentence in his 2004 book, Speaking out.
* I believe that when Paul Martin cancelled affordable housing across this country it produced a dramatic rise in homelessness and deaths due to homelessness and I've always said I hold him responsible for that.
** During the federal election campaign, May 26, 2004
* I ask you to join me in saying that enough is enough with Liberal arrogance and scandals and enough to the vote-buying promises of the Conservatives. There's a better choice, a third option, the NDP
** During the federal election campaign, January 2006
* Layton: After all these years of inaction, will the Prime Minister finally get something done and do something the former government would not do and that is to cancel the subsidies to big oil and big ass--I mean big gas and start putting-- Stephen Harper: Mr. Speaker, I promise to get to the bottom of it.
** Question Period in Parliament, Dec. 4, 2006
* This debate is coming down essentially to two visions — Mr. Harper's vision for Canada and my vision for Canada, and to a decision to be made by people disappointed by Mr. (Stephane) Dion
** On polls showing his New Democrats were gaining on the Liberals, Sept. 2, 2008
* We have not made these choices lightly, Our decision was made in the full seriousness and clear knowledge of what is at stake.
** On announcing a coalition agreement with the Liberals and Bloc Québécois, Dec. 1, 2008.
* He's put a lock on the door of the House of Commons and he refuses to face the people of Canada through their elected representatives
** On Stephen Harper, after the Governor General announced Parliament was prorogued, Dec. 4, 2008
* This is a budget that does not protect the vulnerable, it doesn't protect the jobs of today and it doesn't create the jobs that we need for tomorrow.
** On the 2009 federal budget, Jan. 27, 2009.
* I remember a Stephen Harper once upon a time... You've become what you used to oppose... Mr. Harper, what happened to you? What changed?
** To Mr. Harper, contending the Prime Minister used to advocate cleaning up government and caring for the environment; 2011 English Language Federal Election Debate
* Most Canadians, if they don't show up for work, they don't get a promotion. … You missed 70 per cent of the votes.
** 2011 English Language Federal Election Debate
* “That’s been a hashtag fail." And on the temptations stemming from a life of crime: "With the bling and everything that comes with it."
** 2011 English Language Federal Election Debate
* Spring is here my friends and a new chapter begins.
** "2011 Election Night Victory Speech." May 2, 2011
* "I've always favoured proposition over opposition. But we will oppose the government when it's off track.We'll support positive suggestions that we'll bring forward and support the government when it's making progress."
** "2011 Election Night Victory Speech." May 2, 2011
* It's a privilege and it's an honour and Olivia and I are certainly looking forward to visiting this beautiful, historic building and being able to stay there during the session when we're here in Ottawa.
** Jack Layton skittish about moving into Stornoway June 15, 2011
* (The lockout) makes no sense unless you put it in the context of a wider strategy, which is to somehow weaken Canadians' commitment to Canada Post so that ultimately, when the government gets out there to privatize it, they think they can get the public on their side
** Feds using lockout as wedge to privatize Canada Post: Layton June 17, 2011
* I think we've come to where we are because of those positive ties and working together for working families. That's our priority and continues to be. It's been there since our founding and we've now achieved the best success we've ever had electorally. So I think you want to continue with what's working
* Why has he closed the door on Canada Post? Here's a guy who says he was a terrific manager of the economy and all things economic yet he's shut down our postal service. It's certainly the wrong thing to do and it sends a very bad signal out to the working people that tromp up and down our sidewalks and deliver our mail … that he doesn't really respect the bargaining process.
** Layton nixes cutting NDP ties to labour unions June 18,2011
* If I've tried to bring anything to federal politics, it's the idea that hope and optimism should be at their heart; we can look after each other better than we do today.
** "Jack Layton's statement." July 25, 2011.
** On announcing a leave of absence following a new diagnosis of cancer.
* 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.
** "A letter to Canadians from the Honourable Jack Layton." 20 August 2011.
** Released upon his death.
* 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.
** "A letter to Canadians from the Honourable Jack Layton." 20 August 2011.
** Released upon his death.
* Mes amis, l’amour est cent fois meilleur que la haine. L’espoir est meilleur que la peur. L’optimisme est meilleur que le désespoir. Alors aimons, gardons espoir et restons optimistes. Et nous changerons le monde.
** "A letter to Canadians from the Honourable Jack Layton." 20 August 2011.
** Released upon his death.

## Quotes about Layton

* It’s about saying, ‘Hi Olivia. How’s Beatrice doing?’ It’s about remembering each other and our loves and our lives together. Over the next few years, we won’t not be able to say, ‘Hi Jack. How’s Olivia doing?’ But you can say, ‘Hi Jack. How are we doing?’
** Reverend Brent Hawkes Eulogy for Jack Layton
* Inevitably, we’ve fastened on those last memorable lines about hope, optimism and love. But the letter was, at its heart, a manifesto for social democracy. And if there was one word that might sum up Jack Layton’s unabashed, social democratic message, it would be “generosity.” He wanted, in the simplest and most visceral terms, a more generous Canada.
** Stephen Lewis' Eulogy for Jack Layton
* Twenty years ago, he co-founded an organization dedicated to eliminating men’s violence against women the White Ribbon Campaign. What started as a meeting has grown into a movement against violence spanning 60 countries. Not long ago, my dad offered the new executive director some advice that I’ll share with you now. He said, ‘Always have a dream that’s longer than a life-time. If faut toujours avoir des rêves qui dépassent la durée de la vie. Friends: be loving, be hopeful, be optimistic. Together we can build the world of our dreams.’ And as he always said, ‘Don’t let anyone tell you it can’t be done.’
** Michael Layton Pays Tribute to his father Jack Layton

## External links

* New Democratic Party of Canada
* White Ribbon Campaign
* Reverend Brent Hawkes Eulogy for Jack Layton
* Remember Jack Layton: 1950-2011