Jack Layton Dies…I had some Hope.

We all die sometime, but sudden deaths are still shocking. I had hoped that Jack Layton would change Canada for the better as Official Opposition in Canada’s Parliament. Now this will not happen. Bad timing? Right person, wrong time? Is there ever a “right time”? Though I did not meet him, I felt he was a person of integrity and honesty, one that would truly represent the people that voted for him, and for the betterment of all Canadians. This I do not feel for any other politician in Federal politics. May his spirit carry on.

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.

All my very best,
Jack Layton