Submitted to Niagara At Large from the Office of Andrea Horwath
“A year ago today we lost a great leader, a mentor, and dear friend in Jack Layton. As difficult as his passing was, and at times still is, I find comfort in knowing that his call for love, hope and optimism has inspired Canadians from coast to coast to coast. He set an example for us all. He brought us together.
The late leader of Canada’s NDP is being honoured across the country this August, a year following his untimely death.
This past year had some challenging moments for me as Leader of the NDP in Ontario’s first minority government in 25 years. There were times I would have picked up the phone and called Jack for some guidance and advice. He had always been a great listener, a relentless optimist and source of inspiration to me. I reflect on our many conversations as fond memories. I am very proud to have called him my leader and more importantly my friend.
As we remember his passing and celebrate his life, let’s remember that if we work hard and believe in change, we can change the world. As Jack always said, “don’t let them tell you it can’t be done.
Jack, we won’t stop until the job is done.”
(Niagara At Large invites you to reflect on the legacy of the late federal NDP leader Jack Layton one year later in the comment are below, remembering that we only post comments by individuals who share their first and last names and keep their comments civil. Thank you.)
Niagara At Large 
Thank You Andrea
Yes He was a beacon at a time when this country was and is experiencing it’s darkest hour as leader after so called leaders push us down the road to dictatorial one man ship. He was a diplomat who believed in this country for “ALL” Canadian not the 1% this present government is indebted to…Some might say “God bless this country” BUT there are many families who would say “God help this Country”
for without the compassion of people like Jack Layton there is really NO TOMORROW for the needy.
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Jack Layton is a hero since he put on the map ideas that were quite sensible and urgently needed but previously ignored. One of the best examples is his championing of roof gardens- a needed measure to encourage energy efficiency and making our cities more beautiful and liveable. Globe and Mail columnist Margaret Wente ridiculed him for this but afterwards Layton responded and turned her around.
What really moved me about Jack is how he stood up alone to an army of developers and their lawyers at a six week Ontario Municipal Board hearing on the future of the Toronto rail yard lands. He did this to achieve more lands for parks and nonprofit housing. Anyone who has been inside an OMB hearing for an hour or two can get some sense of the guts it takes to wage a battle like this.
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