Jack Layton Passes Away, Following Battle with Cancer
August 23, 2011
Worker’s rights champion Jack Layton has passed away following a battle with cancer. Until recently, Layton was Leader of the NDP, stepping down less than a month ago due to his illness. Layton’s passion and dedication made the NDP the official opposition of Harper’s Conservative government in the 2011 federal election.
Often dubbed “Union Jack” in the press, Layton was a strong fighter for Unions and worker’s rights. He and his wife, fellow politician Olivia Chow, fought tirelessly for issues that other politicians ignored –the environment, working families and public transit. His long illness did not curb his enthusiasm for politics and despite battling cancer and recovering from a hip operation during the federal campaign, Layton led his party to a major victory.
He became leader of the NDP in 2003 and rejuvenated the struggling party with his energy and determination. “Jack Layton was an inspiration to all of us who fight for worker’s rights,” says UFCW 175 President Shawn Haggerty. “His tireless drive to help the working Canadian will not be forgotten.”
Read a letter from Jack Layton, written just days before he passed away.