OTTAWA – Federal Opposition Leader Jack Layton has lost his battle with cancer.
Layton died Monday at 4:45 AM EDT at his home in Toronto, at the age of 61.
His wife, Trinity-Spadina MP Olivia Chow, was at his side along with his children Sarah and Michael, other family and loved ones.
Chow released a statement this morning saying:
“We deeply regret to inform you that The Honourable Jack Layton, leader of the New Democratic Party of Canada, passed away at 4:45 AM today, Monday August 22. He passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family and loved ones.”
A state funeral is expected to be held Saturday at 2.00 PM EDT at Toronto’s Roy Thomson Hall. State funerals are traditionally offered only to current and former governors general, current and former prime ministers and current members of cabinet. But a spokesman for Stephen Harper says the prime minister exercised his discretion and offered Chow a state funeral, which she accepted.
As word quickly spread about Layton’s death Monday morning, condolences began to pour in for the NDP leader, often through social media.
Harper said he was “deeply saddened” to hear about Layton’s death.
“I know one thing: Jack gave his fight against cancer everything he had. Indeed, Jack never backed down from any fight,” the prime minister said in a statement.
Harper also saluted Layton’s contribution to public life and said it would be sorely missed.
Get daily National news
“When I last spoke with Jack following his announcement in July, I wished him well and he told me he’d be seeing me in the House of Commons in the fall,” he said. “This, sadly, will no longer come to pass.”
Harper and his wife Laureen also extended their “heartfelt condolences” to Chow, Layton’s family, colleagues and friends.
Gov. Gen. David Johnston first commented on Twitter:
“I learned with great sadness we just lost Jack Layton. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”
Bob Rae, a former NDP premier of Ontario and now federal Liberal leader, also sent a tweet:
“Deeply saddened by news about Jack Layton, Arlene and I send deepest condolences to Olivia and family. He is a loss to a grieving Canada.”
Green Party leader Elizabeth May said she will always remember Layton for his love.
“Collectively, Canadian hearts are breaking,” said Green Leader Elizabeth May in a statement. “Jack will always be remembered for his unfailing love of Canada and his dedication to this country and its citizens.”
New Democrat MP Jagmeet Singh was on Twitter:
“Dear Jack Layton – the inspiration that you are is unparalleled. Your legacy will live on – we promise!”
Nycole Turmel, a rookie Quebec MP and veteran labour leader, took over within days, but the caucus and party all expressed hope for Layton’s quick return to health.
“New Democrats today are mourning the loss of a great Canadian,” Turmel said in a statement on Monday. “Jack was a courageous man. It was his leadership that inspired me, and so many others, to run for office. We – Members of Parliament, New Democrats and Canadians – need to pull together now and carry on his fight to make this country a better place.”
Turmel also echoed one of Layton’s favourite quotes from Tommy Douglas, saying: “Courage my friends, ’tis never too late to build a better world.”
Turmel also extened her sympathies to Chow, Layton’s children and his family.
It was not to be.
Layton had been diagnosed with prostate cancer in early 2010, but continued a crowded schedule while getting treatment. He suffered a hip fracture just before the start of the spring campaign but it was surgically repaired. He leaned on a cane during the campaign, but seemed as full of energy and optimism as ever.
Weeks after taking office as the Federal Opposition Leader, Layton announced he was battling a new, unspecified cancer.
Visibly gaunt and weak-voiced, Layton said July 25 he was taking leave from his position, but intended to be back in his seat Sept. 19 when the House returns from summer break.
Below is an interactive glance at the distinguished life of Jack Layton.
With files from The Canadian Press
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.