With the passing of Jack Layton, here are
some of the responses:
Olivia Chow, Sarah and Michael Layton:
We deeply regret to inform you that the
Honourable Jack Layton, leader of the New Democratic Party of Canada, passed
away at 4:45am today, Monday, Aug 22. He passed away peacefully at his home
surrounded by family and loved ones. Details of Mr Layton’s funeral arrangements
will be forthcoming.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper:
I was deeply saddened to learn this
morning of the death of Jack Layton.
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.
This, sadly, will no longer come to pass.
On behalf of all Canadians, I salute Jack’s
contribution to public life, a contribution that will be sorely missed.
I know one thing: Jack gave his fight
against cancer everything he had. Indeed, Jack never backed down from any
fight.
To his wife, Olivia, his family and his colleagues and friends, Laureen and I offer our heartfelt condolences. Our
thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time.
NDP interim leader Nycole Turmel:
New Democrats today are mourning the loss
of a great Canadian.
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.
On behalf of New Democrats from coast to
coast to coast, our thoughts and prayers are with our colleague Olivia Chow,
Jack’s children, Sarah and Mike, and the rest of Jack’s family.
And we remember the Tommy Douglas quote
Jack included in every email he sent: “Courage my friends, ‘tis never too late
to build a better world.”
Liberal Leader Bob Rae:
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:
The Green Party of Canada offers deep
sympathy and sadness at the news of the death of one of Canada’s leading
political figures. The party, its members, candidates, staff and leader
send sincere condolences to the entire NDP family, Jack’s family and, most
especially, to Jack’s wife, Olivia Chow. I am deeply saddened by the untimely
death of Jack Layton. Collectively, Canadian hearts are breaking. Jack will always be remembered for his unfailing
love of Canada and his dedication to this country and its citizens.
US Ambassador David Jacobson:
I just
received the sad news that Jack Layton has passed away. On behalf of my
family, as well as the American people, I want to express our sorrow to Jack’s
wife, Olivia Chow, his family and his friends and supporters across Canada.
I will never forget the image of Jack
campaigning as the happy warrior. His energy, enthusiasm and passion for
politics and for the Canadian people were undeniable. Something I will
never forget. A standard for all of us.
Former governor general Michaëlle Jean:
Canada has lost a man of courage and
great integrity who embodied the values dearest to Canadians.
UPDATED
Governor General David Johnston:
My wife, Sharon, and I join all Canadians
in deeply mourning the loss of Jack Layton today.
As leader of Her Majesty’s Loyal
Opposition, Mr Layton was held in great esteem by Canadians for his passionate
dedication to the public good. Throughout his career as a community leader and
politician, he constantly strived to bring people together in the common cause
of building a better Canada, and he did so with so with great energy and
commitment. His fundamental decency and his love of our country serve as examples
to us all, and he will be greatly missed.
We wish to extend our sincerest
condolences to Mr Layton’s wife, Ms Olivia Chow and their family, friends
and colleagues in this most difficult time. Our thoughts are with you.
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