Jack Layton, the Leader of the New Democratic Party, and Leader of the Opposition on Canada died today from cancer. He battle prostate cancer a couple of years ago. In May he led his party to win the greatest number of seat in Parliament in its history. He was diagnosed with a second round of cancer in July. He was a party leader to be admired, energetic and postivie and fighting for social justice. I think a lot of Canadians admired him, whatever their politics because his integrity. His family released a letter he wrote on Saturday. Some of it is very practical and political, but the last paragraphs are just beautiful:
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.