To Olivia Chow, I would say - You have my sincerest heartfelt condolences on the loss of your husband. And, thank you for allowing us to grieve with you and mourn the loss of such a compassionate person.
We've had too few 'Jack Laytons' in our lifetime. People who have held themselves to the same standard they are espousing. We don't need to look to far to see that not everyone has that kind of integrity. Hopefully, his message and example will not be lost with him.
While many people are comparing him to the late Pierre Elliot Trudeau, I think there is another more adequate comparison that fits the bill - Tommy Douglas! Mr. Douglas too lost the battle to cancer, but, not before he changed the vision many held of our country and through dogged determination, established medicare. Where would we be without Tommy? I do believe in years to come, we will be saying the same about Jack Layton.
At a time in his life when he could well have taken a leave from politics to focus on this health, he forged ahead and brought Canadians with him, carving out a new place in history for the NDP party - Official Opposition! What could he have done had he had full health and vigour?
Understanding the tremendous contribution he made to Canadians is only now becoming apparent as we have watched the outpouring of humble gratitude from those who were affected by his taking on their cause. It would appear those he assisted remained thankful for the results his campaigning could bring about. It will be years before we realize the full extent of his influence.
Jack, you gave of yourself when it would have been easier not to and ended your course by imploring Canadians to lead with Love, Hope and Optimism. Thank you for your commitment to Canada. We're all the richer for it. May you rest in peace.
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