Canadians celebrate Jack Layton’s life in Ottawa
Posted Aug 23, 2012 7:31 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
OTTAWA, On. — One year ago, Wednesday, that our nation was in mourning.
Former New Democratic Party leader Jack Layton, the man whose words inspired a nation, succumbed to cancer on Aug. 22, 2011.
On Wednesday, under a cloudless sky, more than 200 people gathered on the steps of Parliament Hill to celebrate Layton’s life and legacy.
Using black markers, they scrawled messages of hope, love and optimism, all words the former NDP leader used during his campaign to change Canada.
“You know, that’s really what Jack was about, inspiring young people, and talking about, yes, love, talking about hope and optimism” said Ottawa Centre MP and close friend Paul Dewar. “It’s really difficult to find politicians who talk about those ideas and sincerely mean it. Jack did.”
The crowd paused to listen as Dewar and Hull-Aylmer MP Nycole Turmel spoke.
“Jack Layton often reminded us, don’t let them tell you it can’t be done,” said Turmel. “We can do it. We can for sure for his memory. We can build a better, more caring Canada where no one is left behind.”
That message has long since been imparted to those who gathered to celebrate Layton’s life.
“We respect Jack, we respect the politics and the respect and the courageousness that he brought to Parliament Hill,” said NDP supporter Susan Jones. “We respect the way that he was as a politician and that he connected with people.
Bradley also stopped by to pay his respects.
“I came to commemorate a great Canadian and an amazing politician, who gave us hope and faith in the political system again,” he said. “I suppose I was very cynical about politics as a lot of Canadians are, and he showed us that it’s possible to be an honest and caring politician today and a great person in general and make a difference even when wasn’t politically beneficial to him personally.”
The Dominion Carilloneur played John Lennon’s “Imagine” for the crowd. It was one of Layton’s favourite songs.
A picnic was also slated to be held at 6 p.m. at Hintonburg Park to remember Layton.
