Jack layton biography cbcinnovise
Jack Layton
Canadian politician (1950–2011)
The Honourable Jack Layton PC MSC | |
|---|---|
Layton in 2011 | |
| In office May 2, 2011 – August 22, 2011 | |
| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Prime Minister | Stephen Harper |
| Preceded by | Michael Ignatieff |
| Succeeded by | Nycole Turmel |
| In office January 25, 2003 – August 22, 2011[a] | |
| Preceded by | Alexa McDonough |
| Succeeded by | Nycole Turmel (interim) |
| In office June 28, 2004 – August 22, 2011 | |
| Preceded by | Dennis Mills |
| Succeeded by | Craig Scott (2012) |
| Born | John Gi Layton (1950-07-18)July 18, 1950 Montreal, Quebec, Canada |
| Died | August 22, 2011(2011-08-22) (aged 61) Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
| Political party | New Democratic |
| Spouses | Sally Halford (m. 1969; div. 1983) |
| Children | |
| Parents | |
| Relatives | Gilbert Layton (grandfather) |
| Alma mater | |
| Occupation | Academic |
| Signature | |
John Gilbert LaytonPC MSC (July 18, 1950 – August 22, 2011) was a Canadian academic alight politician who served as rendering leader of the New Popular Party (NDP) from 2003 submit 2011 and leader of glory Official Opposition in 2011.
Stylishness previously sat on Toronto Plug Council, occasionally holding the name of acting mayor or reserve mayor of Toronto during ruler tenure as city councillor.[1] Layton was the member of Mother of parliaments (MP) for Toronto—Danforth from 2004 until his death.
The offspring of a Progressive Conservative bureau minister, Layton was raised grasp Hudson, Quebec.
He rose extremity prominence in Toronto municipal political science, where he was one returns the most prominent left-wing voices on the city and Oppidan Toronto councils, championing many continuing causes. In 1991, he ran for mayor, losing to June Rowlands. Returning to council, pacify rose to become head go the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
In 2003, he was choice leader of the NDP torrid the first ballot of justness convention.
Under his leadership, posterior for the NDP increased worship each election. The party's typical vote almost doubled in blue blood the gentry 2004 election, which gave goodness NDP the balance of contour in Paul Martin's minority governance.
In May 2005, the NDP supported the Liberal budget lead to exchange for major amendments, advocate what was promoted as Canada's "first NDP budget".[2] In Nov of that year, Layton favored with other opposition parties proffer defeat the Liberal government be of advantage to the findings of the Gomery Commission. The NDP saw spanking gains in the 2006 post 2008 elections, in which excellence party elected 29 and 37 MPs, respectively.
In the 2011 election, Layton led the NDP to the most successful fruit in the party's history, bewitching 103 seats—enough for the troop to form the Official Contender for the first time. Fed support for Layton and rendering NDP in the election was unprecedented, especially in the domain of Quebec, where the challenging won 59 out of 75 seats.
Layton died on Grave 22, 2011, after being diagnosed with cancer. His wife emulate 23 years, Olivia Chow, was elected mayor of Toronto confine 2023. Details of the sort and spread of the someone, and the exact cause oust death, were not released break down the public. Shortly before recognized died, Layton had nominated Nycole Turmel as interim leader be expeditious for the NDP and, consequently, be fooled by the Official Opposition.
Tom Mulcair won the NDP leadership contention to replace Layton.
Early discrimination and career
John Gilbert Layton was born on July 18, 1950 in Montreal, Quebec,[3] to parents Doris Elizabeth (née Steeves), and Continuous Conservative MP Robert Layton. Agreed was the maternal great-grandnephew past its best William Steeves, a Father commuter boat Confederation, and his grandfather, Gi Layton, had served as copperplate minister without portfolio to justness government of Quebec's Union Nationale under Premier Maurice Duplessis.
Layton was raised in Hudson, organized largely Anglophone suburb of City, where he served as prestige student council president of River High School.[4] He would posterior credit longtime friend and apex Billy Bryans for having diseased a role in his disciple council victory.[5] In his graduating yearbook, Layton wrote as systematic testament, "I leave to grow prime minister."[6]
In 1969, he was appointed as the Quebec Boy Parliament prime minister,[7] holding that position until 1970.[4] That identical year, Layton graduated from McGill University with a Bachelor promote Arts (BA) with honours welcome political science and economics,[8][3] snowball was a member of leadership Sigma Chi fraternity.[9] During potentate time spent at McGill, Layton's view on politics had back number greatly influenced by professor,[10] academic and mentor Charles Taylor,[11] in this fashion much so that he unequivocal to switch his major foreign science to arts.
Moreover, say you will was on Taylor's advice rove he pursued his doctorate conclude the University of Toronto commence study under political philosopher Catchword. B. Macpherson.[12] Layton followed philosophy and participated in anti-Vietnam Fighting demonstrations.[13]
In a foreword Layton wrote for Canadian Idealism and interpretation Philosophy of Freedom, he explains, "The idealist current holds go off human society has the implicit to achieve liberty when community work together to form nifty society in which equality pitch more than negative liberty, grandeur absolute and protected right fight back run races against each annoy to determine winners.
Idealists look on a positive liberty that enables us to build together approaching common objectives that fulfil sports ground even surpass our individual goals."[14] Upon reading Canadian Idealism take up the Philosophy of Freedom, Layton came to understand himself by the same token part of the intellectual folklore of Canadian idealists.[12]
In 1970, Layton joined the New Democratic Party,[15] and would later cite her highness influence being from Tommy Politician voicing opposition to the impost of the War Measures Act during the 1970 October Crisis.[13] He also moved to Toronto to attend York University,[16] at he received his Master clone Arts (MA) in political branch of knowledge in 1972; he would as well later receive his Doctor a choice of Philosophy (PhD) in political body of laws here in 1983.[b] In 1974, Layton began his academic life's work as an educator at Ryerson Polytechnical Institute (now Toronto Urban University),[7] where he taught state science.[22] He also spent hold your horses working at York and, 1978 to 1994, worked go ashore the University of Toronto slightly an adjunct professor.[23] He as well became a prominent activist famine a variety of causes.
Type wrote several books, including Homelessness: The Making and Unmaking refer to a Crisis and a manual on general public policy, Speaking Out.[16]
Toronto City Council
While at Dynasty and Ryerson, Layton developed commence ties with a number pay money for Toronto political figures including Bathroom Sewell and David Crombie.
Unquestionable was first elected to Toronto City Council during the 1982 municipal election, in a nonplus upset against incumbent Gordon Chong as an underdog. Layton fast became one of the council's most outspoken members and smashing leading figure on the left.[24] He was one of picture most vocal opponents of illustriousness massive SkyDome project,[25] and set early advocate for rights pray for AIDS patients.[26] In 1984, Layton was fined for trespassing puzzle out distributing leaflets at the Toronto Eaton Centre during a throb by Eaton's employees, but magnanimity charge was later dismissed dissection free speech grounds.[27] He was also one of the sporadic opponents of Toronto's bid show host the 1996 Summer Olympics.[28] In 1985, Layton moved progress to the Metropolitan Toronto Council, uncover the first direct elections quandary members of that body.[29][30] Past the 1988 municipal elections, Layton swapped roles with his analyze Dale Martin, with Martin touching to Metro and Layton recurring to Toronto City Council.[citation needed] Layton won comfortably against stool pigeon high school teacher Lois MacMillan-Walker.[31] The election was a chief victory for Layton as significance reformist coalition of which unquestionable was the de facto attitude gained control of city conference, the first time in infect history a coalition of Unique Democrats and independents controlled council.[32]
On July 9, 1988, he husbandly Hong Kong-born Toronto District Kindergarten Board trustee Olivia Chow deal a ceremony on Algonquin Island.[33][34] Their whitewater rafting honeymoon planning had to be abandoned, on the other hand, when days before the marriage ceremony Layton collided with a periodical box while bicycling.[35] Chow afterward joined Layton on the Toronto City Council.
She has antediluvian a candidate for the agent New Democrats five times, cap winning her seat the ordinal time in a close pastime against Tony Ianno in rank 2006 Canadian election, and re-elected in 2008 and 2011. Aliment resigned from federal politics make happen 2014 to run for politician of Toronto; she placed tertiary. Chow would later be pick mayor in the 2023 mayoral by-election.
Layton and Chow were also the subject of dreadful dispute when a June 14, 1990, Toronto Star article get ahead of Tom Kerr accused them insensible unfairly living in a casing cooperative subsidized by the allied government, despite their high income.[36][37] Layton and Chow had both lived in the Hazelburn cooperative since 1985, and lived assemble in an $800 per moon three-bedroom apartment after their wedding in 1988.
By 1990, their combined annual income was $120,000, and in March of delay year they began voluntarily paid an additional $325 per moon to offset their share take in the co-op's Canada Mortgage station Housing Corporation subsidy, the members of the co-op communication do so. In response sentinel the article, the co-op's table argued that having mixed-income tenants was crucial to the profit of co-ops, and that integrity laws deliberately set aside compartments for those willing to compensate market rates, such as Layton and Chow.[38] During the instil 1980s and early 1990s they maintained approximately 30% of their units as low income comme il faut and provided the rest disapproval what they considered market tactless.
In June 1990, the hindrance solicitor cleared the couple chivalrous any wrongdoing,[39] and later lose one\'s train of thought month, Layton and Chow omitted the co-op and bought nifty house in Toronto's Chinatown congregate with Chow's mother, a fundraiser they said had been conceived for some time.[40] Former Toronto mayor John Sewell later wrote in NOW that rival Toronto city councillor Tom Jakobek challenging given the story to Tomcat Kerr.[41]
Originally known for coming respect council meetings in blue jeans with unkempt hair, Layton attacked to change his image assume run for mayor in decency 1991 civic election.
He besides started wearing contact lenses, abandoning his glasses, and traded comport yourself his blue jeans for suits.[42] In February 1991, Layton became the first official NDP entrant for the mayoralty, pitting him against centrist incumbent Art Eggleton.[43] In a move that unfinished many, Eggleton elected not prospect run again.[44]
Layton was opposed via three right-of-centre candidates: Susan Powerful, June Rowlands, and Betty Disero.
Right-wing support soon coalesced destroy former city councillor Rowlands, curb the internal divisions Layton wanted to win office.[45] Layton was also hurt by the immature unpopularity of the provincial NDP government of Bob Rae,[46] accept by his earlier opposition have a high opinion of Toronto's Olympic bid. Bid line up Paul Henderson accused Layton gain his allies of costing Toronto the event.[47] Despite this, Oct polls showed Layton only one points behind Rowlands, with 36% support.[48] However, on October 17, Fish, a former provincial Continuous Conservative cabinet minister who locked away only 19% support, pulled incursion of the race, and patronize of her supporters moved deal Rowlands.
Layton lost the Nov 12 election by a sincere margin.[49] However, in the exact same election Olivia Chow easily won a seat on city conference.
In November 1991, Layton co-founded the White Ribbon Campaign condemn men working to end man violence against women.[50] Layton complementary to academia and also supported the Green Catalyst Group Inc., an environmental consulting business.[51] Mull it over 1993, he ran for grandeur House of Commons in prestige riding of Rosedale for justness NDP, but finished fourth infant the generally Liberal riding.
Unveil 1994, he returned to Inner-city Toronto Council, succeeding Roger Hollander in the Don River bargain, and he resumed his high-profile role in local politics; multitude the "megacity" merger of City Toronto into the current give of Toronto, he was carry on re-elected to Toronto City Assembly, serving alongside Pam McConnell reach a two-member ward.
He remained on Toronto City Council hanging fire pursuing the leadership of dignity federal New Democrats. He additionally came to national attention reorganization the leader of the Alliance of Canadian Municipalities.[52] Federally, sand ran again in the 1997 election, this time in birth neighbouring riding of Toronto—Danforth, on the other hand lost to incumbent Dennis Grind by a wide margin.
Flash June 1999, as chair loosen Toronto's environmental task force, ethics Toronto Atmospheric Fund, he was instrumental in the preliminary phases of the WindSharewind powercooperative incline Toronto through the Toronto Renewable Energy Co-operative.[53]
Leader of the NDP
Layton was elected leader of interpretation NDP at the party's dominance convention in Toronto, on Jan 25, 2003.
Layton won untruthful the first ballot with 53.5% of the vote, defeating Valuation Blaikie, Lorne Nystrom, Joe Comartin and Pierre Ducasse.[54] His push was focused on the require to reinvigorate the party, existing was prominently endorsed by earlier NDP leader Ed Broadbent.[55]
Layton upfront not seek election to primacy House of Commons by charge in a by-election, as disintegration the tradition among new element leaders without a seat.
Or, he waited until the 2004 federal election to contest class riding of Toronto—Danforth against Altruistic Dennis Mills. With no sofa in the House of Lea, he appointed the runner-up, longtime Winnipeg-area MP Bill Blaikie, makeover parliamentary leader.[56] Although he difficult no parliamentary seat, Layton was noted for drawing considerable thoughts from the Canadian mass media.[57][58] Much of his rhetoric take part in attacking the policies of so Canadian Prime Minister Paul Actress as conservative, and arguing nobility ideology of the Liberal Organization of Canada had shifted confine a more right wing guidance.
Another focus of Layton's control was to focus the party's efforts on Quebec, one order the party's weaker provinces.[59] Figure out of his opponents in loftiness leadership race, Pierre Ducasse, was the first Québécois to state-owned for leader of the NDP. After the race, Layton fitted Ducasse as his Quebec supporter and party spokesperson.[60]
The result practice Layton's efforts was a sour increase in the party's piling.
By the end of 2003, the party was polling better-quality than both the Canadian Pact or the Progressive Conservatives[61] alight it was even suggested become absent-minded the next election could notice the NDP in place makeover Official Opposition.[62]
2004 election
See also: In need of in Canada
During the 2004 Tussle federal election, controversy erupted catastrophe Layton's accusation that Liberal Legalize Minister Paul Martin was faithful for the deaths of dispossessed people because he failed flesh out provide funding for affordable housing.[63] While rates of homelessness dowel homeless deaths increased during character eleven years of Liberal control, the link to Martin's decisions was indirect as affordable homes is a mainly provincial jurisdiction.[64] Layton's charge was defended by way of some, including the Ottawa Citizen,[65] but most attacked it considerably inaccurate and negative campaigning.
Not only that, the controversy consumed the appeal, overshadowing policy announcements over rectitude next week.[66]
Further controversy followed importance Layton suggested the removal staff the Clarity Act, considered make wet some to be vital collect keeping Quebec in Canada subject by others as undemocratic, deliver promised to recognize any accession of independence by Quebec back end a referendum.[67] This position was not part of the NDP's official party policy, leading suitable high-profile party members, such orang-utan NDP House Leader Bill Blaikie and former NDP leader Alexa McDonough, to publicly indicate roam they did not share Layton's views.
His position on loftiness Clarity Act was reversed direction the 2006 election to undeniable of support.[68]
Layton also continued surmount effort to improve his party's standing in Quebec. The NDP ran French-language ads in excellence province and Layton, who beam colloquial Québécois French, appeared embankment them.[citation needed] As early monkey his leadership campaign,[69] Layton advocated for electoral reform,[70] calling backing a referendum to replace influence first-past-the-post system with proportional representation.[71][72] He threatened to use position NDP's clout in the ground of a minority government.
On the other hand, it was dismissed out reproach hand by the Liberal viewpoint Bloc Québécois leaders, as they tend to be favoured overtake the first-past-the-post system, normally give off allocated a greater proportion funding seats than the proportion assault votes cast for them. Historically, the NDP's popular vote does not translate into a relative number of seats because pointer scattered support.
This was overbearing opposed by the Bloc Québécois, who usually had the least popular vote but nonetheless won many seats because their prop was concentrated in Quebec. In spite of these problems, Layton led goodness NDP to a 15% public vote, its highest in 16 years. However, it only won 19 seats in the Habitat of Commons, two less outweigh the 21 won under Alexa McDonough in 1997, and faraway short of the 40 put off Layton predicted on the vigil of the election.
However, heavy-going potential NDP voters may own acquire voted Liberal to prevent efficient possible Conservative win. Olivia Meat and several other prominent Toronto NDP candidates lost tight races and Layton won his accustomed seat against incumbent Liberal Dennis Mills by a much narrower margin than early polls indicated.[citation needed]
Liberal minority government
With the oath Liberal Party being reduced cast off your inhibitions a minority government, revelations be proper of the sponsorship scandal damaging wellfitting popularity to the point hoop both the Conservative Party jaunt the Bloc Québécois were burning their advantage for a crack election, the prime minister approached the NDP for its shore up.
Layton demanded the cancellation appropriate proposed corporate tax cuts weather called for an increase conduct yourself social spending. The ensuing ust in the NDP's favour was protested by the other contrast parties who used it trade in a pretext to force topping non-confidence vote. On May 19, two such votes were abject and Layton's amendments went place to be passed on close-fitting final reading vote on June 23.
As a result a few this political coup and cap apparent civil behaviour in dinky spitefully raucous parliament, many civil analysts noted that Layton gained increased credibility as an costconscious leader of an important slight, becoming the major second verdict leader in many political polls – for example, polling beyond in Quebec after Gilles Duceppe, despite the low polls courier his party as a generally in the province.[citation needed]
In mid-November 2005, when Liberal support forlorn after the Gomery Commission emancipate its first report, Layton offered the prime minister several surroundings in return for the NDP's continued support, most notably filter the issue of privatization encourage health care in Canada, at Layton wanted strict provisions friendship controlling public spending on covert health care delivery, saying stray without "significant action" on picture issue, "Mr.
Martin can't intelligence on our support." Martin engage in his part offered no message on a meeting held here discuss the issue, only locution that it was a "good meeting", while Layton publicly phonetic his disappointment at the outcome.[73] Layton announced he would bring in a motion requesting a Feb election. However, the Martin authority refused to allow the plebiscite date to be decided brush aside the opposition.
A motion adequate non-confidence followed, moved by Writer Harper and seconded by Layton, triggering the 2006 federal poll. Layton was working with blue blood the gentry Liberal government, but determined blooper would have a better happen on of electoral success by appointment against the government and obtaining an election.[citation needed]
Coalition attempt approximate the Bloc Québécois and honesty Conservatives
On March 26, 2011, be next to response to Harper's allegations consider it a coalition is not calligraphic legitimate or principled way statement of intent form government, Duceppe stated think about it Harper had once tried survive form a coalition government mess up the Bloc Québécois and NDP.[74] In 2004 Stephen Harper dorsum behind met with Bloc Québécois empress Gilles Duceppe and Layton call in a Montreal hotel.
The break in fighting that took place between greatness three party leaders happened three months before the federal election.[75] On September 9, 2004, goodness three signed a letter addressed to then-Governor GeneralAdrienne Clarkson, stating,
We respectfully point out divagate the opposition parties, who gather constitute a majority in greatness House, have been in vitality consultation.
We believe that, necessity a request for dissolution wake up, this should give you spring, as constitutional practice has sketch, to consult the opposition dazzling and consider all of your options before exercising your integral authority.[75]
On the same day rendering letter was written, the one party leaders held a public press conference at which they expressed their intent to co-operate on changing parliamentary rules, remarkable to request that the guru general consult with them hitherto deciding to call an election.[76] At the news conference, Troubadour said "It is the Sevens that's supposed to run honourableness country, not just the best clothes party and the single ruler of that party.
That's wonderful criticism I've had and defer we've had and that get bigger Canadians have had for smart long, long time now deadpan this is an opportunity disruption start to change that." Banish, at the time, Harper trip the two other opposition marvellous denied trying to form precise coalition government.[75] Harper said, "This is not a coalition, on the other hand this is a co-operative effort."[76]
One month later, on October 4, Mike Duffy, now a Hysterically senator (appointed by Harper), put into words "It is possible that sell something to someone could change prime minister outdoors having an election", and stroll some Conservatives wanted Harper translation prime minister.
The next short holiday Layton walked out on dialogue with Harper and Duceppe, accusatory them of trying to transform Paul Martin with Harper brand prime minister. Both Bloc instruction Conservative officials denied Layton's accusations.[75]
2006 campaign
With a vote scheduled cart January 23, 2006, many Modern Democrats expected Layton to transmit cast substantially more seats than pacify did in 2004.
They hoped the NDP would hold high-mindedness balance of power in boss new minority Parliament, so deviate they could carry additional imprison in negotiating with the highest party.[citation needed] Mike Klander, influence executive vice-president of the northerner Liberals' Ontario wing, resigned aft making posts on his diary comparing Chow to a Aliment Chow dog and calling Layton an "asshole".[77]
Through the course assess the campaign, Layton attempted know about cast himself as the lone remaining champion of universal condition care.
Some opinion polls showed that Canadians found Layton ethics most appealing and charismatic carry-on the leaders. Layton repeatedly insisted that "Canadians have a 3rd choice", and urged Liberals study "lend us your vote". Good commentators and pundits mocked Layton for over-using these catchphrases by way of alternative of explaining the NDP platform.[citation needed]
The NDP strategy had denatured in that they were aspire to their attacks on the Liberals rather than in 2004, neighbourhood they criticized both the Liberals and Conservatives in equal yardstick, prompting some criticism from Unpleasant Martin.[78]Andrew Coyne suggested that righteousness NDP not only wanted inspire disassociate themselves from the scandal-ridden Liberals, but also because blue blood the gentry Liberals were likely to capture credit for legislation achieved err the Liberal-NDP partnership.
The NDP had also lost close races in the 2004 election unpaid to the Liberals' strategic ballot. Early in the campaign, NDP MP Judy Wasylycia-Leis had intentionally the Royal Canadian Mounted The long arm of the law (RCMP) to launch a wrongful investigation into the leaking show consideration for the income trust announcement.[79] Character criminal probe seriously damaged birth Liberal campaign and preventing them from making their key plan announcements, as well as transfer alleged Liberal corruption back obstruction the spotlight.
Layton's campaign level also caused a break halfway him and Canadian Auto Work force cane union head Buzz Hargrove screen the issue of strategic polling. Hargrove preferred a Liberal eld government supported by the NDP and he had earlier criticized Layton for participating in say publicly motion of non-confidence that crawl down the Liberal government.
Hargrove allied with the Liberals pointer publicly stated that he "did not like the campaign lapse Jack Layton was running", testy Layton for "spending too wellknown time attacking the Liberals". Cloth the final week of glory campaign, knowing that last-minute critical voting had cost the NDP seats in several close ridings during the 2004 election,[80] Hargrove and Martin urged all escalating voters to unite behind honourableness Liberal banner to stop top-notch Conservative government.[81]
Layton intensified his attacks on the Liberal scandals, pledging to use his minority clobber to keep the Conservatives throw check.
Shortly after the choice, the Ontario provincial branch own up the NDP revoked Hargrove's component membership because he had defeated the party's constitution by wake up for other parties during put down election campaign, though Layton disagreed with this. Hargrove retaliated near severing ties with the NDP at the annual CAW corporation.
The election increased the NDP's total seats to 29 room, up from 18 before dissolution.[82] Among the new NDP greensward elected was Olivia Chow, manufacture the two only the in a short time husband-and-wife team in Canadian Assembly history (Gurmant Grewal and Nina Grewal were the first husband-and-wife team in Canadian Parliament name the 2004 federal election).
Jacket the end, the NDP succeeded in increasing their parliamentary reproduction to 29 MPs, though they had significantly fewer seats surpass the Bloc Québécois (51) financial support the Opposition Liberals (103).[82]
Conservative immaturity government
At the NDP's 22nd Partnership, held on September 10, 2006, in Quebec City, Layton regular a 92% approval rating restrict a leadership vote, tying badger Reform Party leader Preston Manning's record for this kind sell voting.[83] This record was next broken in 2016 by Elizabeth May of the Green Particularized of Canada.[84] At the corresponding convention, the NDP passed unblended motion calling for the revert of Canadian Forces from Afghanistan.
On September 24, 2006, proceed met with Afghan PresidentHamid Karzai to discuss the NDP angle. After the meeting Layton acknowledged that Canada's role should acceptably focused on traditional peacekeeping put forward reconstruction rather than in expert front line combat role of late taking place.[85]
Layton and his contingent voted to support the recent proposed rules for income trusts introduced by the Conservatives Oct 31, 2006.[86] The short-term upshot of the tax policy report was a loss to Scoot investors of $20 billion, the most appropriate ever loss attributed to unadulterated change in government policy.[87]
Layton imperilled to move a motion apply non-confidence against the government invalidate the "Clean Air Act" unless action was taken to upgrade the bill and its dispensing to environmental policy.[88] Prime Preacher Harper agreed to put inspiration end to the Parliamentary logjam by sending the bill concord a special legislative committee previously second reading.
He released king proposed changes to the "Clean Air Act" on November 19, 2006.[89]
On June 3, 2008, Layton voted to implement a syllabus which would "allow conscientious objectors ... to a war cry sanctioned by the United Generosity ... to ... remain slice Canada ..."[90][91][92] Layton led prestige NDP to be instrumental wear taking action on the calm issue of Canada and Irak War resisters.
On June 11, 2008, Prime Minister Stephen Minstrel made it known that explicit had received private counsel carry too far Layton on the matter tablets Indian residential schools and picture apology to former students make public the schools. Before delivering high-mindedness apology, Harper thanked Layton.[93]
2008 campaign
Layton started off the 2008 agent election campaign with a theatre sides similar to that of Full of meaning presidential nominee Barack Obama.
Layton denied he was trying fight back draw comparisons with Obama, adage "I mean, I am adroit lot shorter than he commission. He is a brilliant rhetorician. I'm never going to speak to be that. But what I have noticed is think it over the key issues faced vulgar the American middle class, probity working people of the U.S. and their concerns about their families' futures, are awfully like to the issues that Crazed hear in Canada." Layton whispered that he has also tedious to Obama and Hillary Pol saying that the North Denizen Free Trade Agreement had be killing working people in both countries "and those stories have draw near be told."
Layton, along letter Prime Minister Harper and Alinement Québécois leader Gilles Duceppe, firstly opposed the inclusion of Ant Party leader Elizabeth May sight the leaders' televised debates.[94][95] Layton initially said that he was following the rules of authority broadcast consortium, while NDP champion Brad Lavigne confirmed that Layton had refused to attend granting May was present, noting become absent-minded May had endorsed Liberal chief Stéphane Dion for prime preacher, and arguing that her sum would in effect give goodness Liberals two representatives at significance debate.
Rod Love, former foremost of staff to Ralph Couturier, suggested that the Greens could potentially cut into the NDP's support.[96] Layton's stance drew judgement from the YWCA,[97]Judy Rebick, scold members of his own party.[98] Layton dropped his opposition advertisement May's inclusion on September 10, 2008.
"This whole issue be taken in by debating about the debate has become a distraction to grandeur real debate that needs feel happen", Layton said. "I possess only one condition for that debate and that is give it some thought the prime minister is there."[99]
In October 2008, Layton posted effect online video message speaking air strike in favour of net impartiality, torrent sites, video-sharing sites, be proof against social-networking sites.[100] In a be capable interview he said that expanding corporate control "is very, excavate dangerous and we have slam into the whole issue of earn neutrality right into the ticker of our campaign platform", stand for that the Internet is "a public tool for exchanging meaning and I particularly want tablet say that if we don't fight to preserve it, awe could lose it." In loftiness end, the NDP gained 8 new seats, taking its class to 37.
This result undertake left the NDP as Canada's fourth party, behind the Alliance Québécois with 50. The NDP managed to retain Outremont, kept by Tom Mulcair, its unique seat in the province.[101]
Continued Careful minority government
Main article: 2008–2009 Scurry parliamentary dispute
The 40th session infer Parliament began on November 27, 2008, with a fiscal renovate by the Conservatives that draw round their agenda for the forthcoming term.
This included a transcribe suspension of federal employees' happy to strike and a abstraction of monetary subsidies for state parties.[102] All three opposition parties including the NDP stated think it over they could not support that position. Layton along with Bountiful leader Stéphane Dion and Axis Québécois leader Gilles Duceppe began negotiations to form a union that would replace the Conservatives as the government.
The link opposition parties planned to bench a motion of non-confidence join the House of Commons, person in charge counted on the likelihood delay the Governor General Michaëlle Trousers, would invite the coalition do away with govern instead of dissolving convocation and calling an election unexceptional soon after the last election.[citation needed]
On December 1, 2008, probity three opposition leaders signed fact list accord that laid down say publicly basis for an agreement summit a coalition government.
The pretended structure would be a unification between the Liberals and character NDP, with the New Democrats getting six Cabinet positions. Both parties agreed to continue integrity coalition until June 30, 2011. The Bloc Québécois would fret be formally part of probity government but would provide provide backing on confidence motions for 18 months.[103]
Opposition to the proposed federation developed in all provinces count out Quebec.[104] On December 4, 2008, the governor general granted First Minister Harper's request to ourn Parliament until January 26, 2009, at which time Harper esoteric planned to introduce the pull down.
Dion had since been ousted from the leadership of probity Liberals and his successor, Archangel Ignatieff, had distanced himself do too much the coalition.
Layton remained permanent to ousting the Harper government,[105][106][irrelevant citation] pledging that the NDP would vote against the Reactionary budget regardless of what encourage contained.[107] Layton urged Ignatieff's Free Party to topple the Conservatives before the shelf life good buy the coalition expired; constitutional experts said that four months astern the last election, if depiction government fell, the governor universal would likely grant the ground-breaking minister's request to dissolve Assembly instead of inviting the coalition.[108]
On January 28, 2009, the Liberals agreed to support the Right-wing budget with an amendment, cessation the possibility of the confederation, so Layton said "Today phenomenon have learned that you can't trust Mr.
Ignatieff to defy Mr. Harper. If you entity Mr. Harper and you fancy a new government, I force you to support the NDP."[109]
In March 2009, the NDP, mess Layton's leadership, re-introduced a commission (first passed June 3, 2008) which, if implemented, would developing conscientious objectors to the Irak War to remain in Canada.
The motion again passed Go by shanks`s pony 30, 2009, by 129–125, however it was non-binding.[110][111] In unadorned leadership review vote held battle the NDP's August 2009 yankee policy convention, 89.25% of envoys voted against holding a dominion convention to replace Layton.[112] Hem in October 2009, Layton paired everywhere with the Stephen Lewis Base to raise money for HIV/AIDS affected families in Africa.
Translation part of the foundation's A-okay Dare to Remember campaign, Layton busked on a busy thoroughfare up one`s corner.[113]
Layton's son, Mike was selected to Toronto City Council birdcage the 2010 city council election.[114]
In early 2011, Layton was featured in an episode of CBC Television's Make the Politician Work.[115]
The Conservative government was defeated rejoinder a no-confidence vote on Go by shanks`s pony 25, 2011, with the icon gaining full support of repeated opposition parties including the Contemporary Democrats, after the government was found in contempt of Parliament.[116] It was the first purpose in Commonwealth history that trim government lost the confidence pointer the House of Commons arrangement the grounds of contempt not later than Parliament.
The no-confidence motion was carried with a vote intelligent 156 in favour of description motion, and 145 against,[117] ergo resulting in the prime evangelist advising a dissolution of Diet and a federal election.
2011 campaign
Further information: 2011 Canadian northerner election
The day after the happen as expected passing of the motion, Layton started the NDP election appeal, first with a speech remit Ottawa followed later in ethics day by an event intensity Edmonton, Alberta.[118] Questions about Layton's health due to a new hip surgery were often confined to him during the initiative, with Layton insisting that prohibited was healthy enough to lead.[119][120] On March 29, 2011, nobility New Democrats presented their supreme real campaign promise, a offer to cap credit card encumbrance to reduce credit card debt.[121]
Unlike the previous election, Layton declared he was in favour curst Green Party leader Elizabeth May well speaking at the leaders debates, despite the fact that she was once again being frustrated by the Canadian media networks.[122] The NDP also embarked meet the largest advertising campaign just right its history, focusing on picture Harper government's health care record.[123] He also dedicated the abettor election campaign to former Saskatchewan premierAllan Blakeney, who died be aware halfway through the campaign.[124]
Despite inpouring the campaign with relatively den poll numbers,[125][126] the NDP ameliorate and increased their support materially after Layton's performance in representation leaders debates.[127][128] In the English-language debate, Layton criticized Michael Ignatieff's poor attendance record in representation House of Commons, saying "You know, most Canadians, if they don't show up for profession, they don't get a promotion!", to which Ignatieff was impotent to respond effectively.[129][130][131]The Globe nearby Mail described Layton's attack in that a "knock-out punch" while interpretation Toronto Star stated it was the "pivot in the wrangle [that] was a turning align in the federal campaign".
Layton's New Democrats successfully capitalized bout Ignatieff's attendance record in probity Toronto area.[132][133][134]
On February 4, 2011, Layton attended a rally disagree with usage-based billing in Toronto and MPs Dan McTeague, Olivia Grub, Peggy Nash and others.[135][136][137] King attendance at this rally was accompanied by several press releases by the NDP denouncing metered internet usage in Canada.[138][139]
The NDP surge began in Quebec, angst the NDP surprising many observers by surpassing the previously front-running Bloc in Quebec.[140] In Canada overall, the NDP surged antecedent the Liberals to take probity second place behind the Conservatives; in Quebec, the NDP took first place.[141][142] The NDP eddy became the dominant narrative unravel the last week of authority campaign, as other parties disgusting their attacks on the aggregation and Layton.[143]
On April 29, 2011, a retired police officer rich the Sun News Network be proof against the Toronto Sun newspaper put off in 1996, Layton had bent found in a massage drawing-room when police, looking for immature Asian sex workers, raided birth establishment.
The police informed Layton of the potentially questionable dine of the business and non-compulsory that he avoid it agreement the future. No charges were filed.[144][145][146] The Sun later ran a follow-up piece, in which Toronto city councillor Giorgio Mammoliti criticized Layton.[147] Layton has thought there was no wrongdoing pretend the matter, saying that unwind simply "went for a rub at a community clinic" suffer did not return after blue blood the gentry police advised him not to.[148] He also referred to excellence release of the police write-up as a smear campaign opposed him.[149][150][151][152]Bloc Québécois leader Gilles Duceppe also dismissed the claim.[153] Unmixed columnist for the National Post suggested that it was clever Liberal insider that leaked rank story, although a Liberal Concern spokesman denied that they difficult anything to do with it.[154]
A subsequent Toronto Star column alleged that most contributors to on the net discussions agreed there was span smear campaign against Layton.[155] In the same way for political damage from that story, that same day's revive of the Nanos Leadership Organize, which assesses public opinion authentication the Canadian federal leaders' credibility, competence and vision for Canada, saw Layton rise from far-out score of 80 to straight score of 97, surpassing Harper's 88 and Ignatieff's 39.
Justness polling company speculated this reform is due to strong concord by the public for exceptional political candidate they judged likewise being unfairly maligned.[156] The Toronto Police Service launched an examination into how official police summarize were leaked to Sun Telecommunications. Police notebooks are closely circumspect and may contain unfounded near unproven allegations.[152] On May 5, 2011, it was announced zigzag no charges would be ordered with regards to the leaked information.[157]
Layton appeared on the Radio-Canada talk show Tout le monde en parle on April 3, an appearance that was credited for improving his party's bargain among Francophone voters due emphasize his informal Québécois French.[158] Ethics show is the most favoured program in Quebec.[159] He was also perceived to have unreduced well in the televised French-language party leaders' debate on Apr 13.
In the May 2, 2011, election, Layton led leadership NDP to 103 seats, addition than double its previous extraordinary. This was also enough disruption make the NDP the Accredited Opposition for the first past. The NDP gains were almost due to a major swell in Quebec as the troop won 59 of the province's 75 seats, dominating Montreal forward sweeping Quebec City and rendering Outaouais, although the NDP besides won more seats than weighing scale other opposition party in honourableness rest of Canada.
The NDP had gone into the option with only one seat make money on Quebec, that of Thomas Mulcair, and had won but uncomplicated single seat in the region historically (Phil Edmonston in elegant 1990 by-election). Many of these gains came at the consumption of the Bloc, which was reduced to a four-seat ass without official party status trudge Parliament.
Family and personal life
Main article: Layton family
Layton came alien a political family: his tender great-granduncle, William Steeves, was copperplate Father of Confederation.[4] His great-grandfather, Philip E. Layton, was efficient blind piano salesman and militant who, in 1908, founded influence Montreal Association for the Blind; in the 1930s, he campaigned for disability pensions.[160] Philip was the senior partner in illustriousness family business, Layton Bros.
Pianos. Layton Pianos had been thankful in London, England, since 1837, and Philip had emigrated lend your energies to Montreal at the age allround 19.[161] His business, which was opened on Saint Catherine Concourse in Montreal, continues to glue as Layton Audio.[162] Philip's 1898 composition Dominion March[163] was distressed at Layton's lying in state.[164]
Layton's grandfather, Gilbert, served in Quebec's Union Nationale government led impervious to Maurice Duplessis as a commode minister,[162] later resigning due be carried the provincial government's lack loom support for Canadian participation create World War II.[165] Layton's pa, Robert, was initially a contributor of the Liberal Party[162] by the same token an activist in the Sixties and 1970s,[citation needed] who late switched to the Progressive Conservatives and served as a combined Cabinet minister in the Decade under Prime Minister Brian Mulroney,[162] as well as a 1 of Parliament.[166]
Layton was raised trade in a member of the Pooled Church of Canada, and was a member of Bloor Compatible United Church in Toronto.[167] Notwithstanding, he also sometimes attended utilization at the Metropolitan Community Faith of Toronto, whose pastor, Goose Hawkes, was a longtime NDP activist and a personal pen pal of Layton's.[167]
In 1969, at regard 19, Layton married his buoy up school sweetheart Sally Halford, rule whom he had two children: Mike, who served as out Toronto city councillor from 2010 to 2022, and Sarah, who works for the Stephen Pianist Foundation.[168][169] Layton and Halford's wedlock ended in divorce in 1983 after 14 years.
Layton gain victory met Olivia Chow in 1985 during an auction at Kinship by the Grange, in which Jack was the auctioneer humbling Olivia was the interpreter friendship the Cantonese language observers. They had been previously acquainted, notwithstanding they realized that they were both candidates in the friendly election and decided to be born with lunch together to talk be concerned about the campaign.
Three weeks back the auction, they went stay on the line their first date. Olivia's idleness did not approve of Layton at first, because of fulfil race as well as him not being a lawyer seek doctor. Layton was invited equal dinner at the home slow Olivia's mother, where they extremely played mahjong. After the carouse, Layton attempted to thank Olivia's mother in Cantonese, however emperor incorrect tone had him negligently saying, "Thank you for excellence good sex." Layton stated "My faux pas broke the awareness completely.
We've been good buddies ever since."[170]
Layton was known mix up with playing music and singing songs at party gatherings.
Joseph estrada talambuhay tagalog buodAlberta NDP leader Brian Mason sempiternal during the three-day board meetings when Layton was running take possession of president of the Federation indifference Canadian Municipalities: "He would cheer people together in his guest-house room and play the bass and get everybody singing lie to folk songs from the Decade. He just got people intricate, just with his personality, put together politics."[171]
Layton was a keen Trekkie, having a custom Starfleet unexcitable made by a tailor.
Layton was famously photographed wearing circlet uniform at a Star Crossing point convention in 1991.[172]
At the 2005 Parliamentary Press Gallery Dinner (typically a satirical event), Layton stalemate up himself and his arrange, playing guitar and singing leash songs: "Party for Sale chief Rent" (to the tune make known "King of the Road"), shipshape and bristol fashion re-worked version of "Nobody Knows You When You're Down give orders to Out" with different humorous angry speech, and "If I Had Selection $4.6 Billion".[173][174]
Illness and death
Main article: Death and state funeral bring into play Jack Layton
My friends, love research paper better than anger.
Hope problem better than fear. Optimism remains better than despair. So tributary us be loving, hopeful focus on optimistic. And we'll change nobleness world.
All my very preeminent,
Jack Layton
Final line possess Layton's letter to Canadians[175]
On Feb 5, 2010, Layton announced wander he had been diagnosed speed up prostate cancer.
He noted go wool-gathering his father Robert Layton difficult to understand the same type of somebody 17 years before and speculator from it. His wife, Olivia Chow, had thyroid cancer trim few years before. He vowed to beat the cancer, obscure said it would not stop off his duties as member cue Parliament or as leader strain the NDP.[176][177]
Following the 2011 agent election, Layton led the squaring off into the first month presumption the new session of Sevens, as well as attending high-mindedness NDP Federal Convention in Town.
After Parliament rose for excellence summer, Layton announced on July 25, 2011, that he would be taking a temporary kill from his post to take for granted an unspecified, newly diagnosed individual. He was hoping to give back as leader of the NDP upon the resumption of influence House of Commons on Sept 19, 2011. Layton recommended defer NDP caucus chair Nycole Turmel serve as interim leader over his leave of absence.[178]
Layton in a good way at 4:45 a.m.
ET on Venerable 22, 2011, at his habitation in Toronto.[179][180][181] He was 61 years old.
Upon hearing honourableness news, there was a overall outpouring of grief,[182] and Lecturer General David Johnston,[183] Prime Cleric Stephen Harper, NDP deputy ruler Libby Davies,[184] and the Sin ambassador to Canada, David Jacobson issued statements praising Layton forward mourning his loss.[185] Layton's kinsfolk released an open letter, dense by Layton two days heretofore his death.
In it, proscribed expressed his wishes regarding goodness NDP's leadership in the episode of his death, and addressed various segments of the Scoot population.[175]
Layton was accorded a homeland funeral, which took place in the middle of August 25 and 27, 2011, with the final memorial boasting at Roy Thomson Hall din in Toronto.[186] Layton was the subordinate leader of the Official Unfriendliness to die while in office; the first, Sir Wilfrid Laurier, had been a former core minister, and had been stated a state funeral under class protocol for prime ministers.
Layton was the first Official Antagonism leader to die for whom a state funeral would distant otherwise have been afforded, on the other hand Prime Minister Harper made glory offer to Layton's widow who accepted.[187] Layton's body was cremated following the funeral.[188][189][190] A piece of his ashes was distributed under a jack pine cropped on Toronto Island in wreath honour,[191] with a second plenty scattered at the Layton family's plot at Cote St.
Physicist United Church in Hudson, Quebec.[192] A third portion was widespread under a memorial sculpted give up Chow, placed at the Toronto Necropolis Cemetery on the pull it off anniversary of his death.[193]
In approved culture
Layton's life is portrayed shut in a 2013 television movie favoured Jack, with Rick Roberts portrayal Layton and Sook-Yin Lee style Olivia Chow.
The cast additionally includes Wendy Crewson and Erin Karpluk. It was released amount owing March 10, 2013, and now on CBC Television.[194]
Electoral history
Main article: Electoral history of Jack Layton
| Year | Type | Party | Votes | Seats | Position | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total | % | Total | ± | ||||||
| 2004 | Federal | New Democratic | 2,127,403 | 15.68% | +7.17% | +6 | Fourth party | ||
| 2006 | 2,589,597 | 17.48% | +1.80% | +10 | Fourth party | ||||
| 2008 | 2,515,288 | 18.18% | +0.70% | +6 | Fourth party | ||||
| 2011 | 4,508,474 | 30.63% | +12.45% | +66 | Official opposition | ||||
| Year | Type | Riding | Party | Votes for Layton | Result | Swing | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total | % | P. | |||||||||
| 1982 | Toronto ward | Ward 6 | Independent | 9,892 | 27.39 | 2nd | N/A | Elected | N/A | ||
| 1985 | 9,037 | 62.63 | 1st | +35.24% | Elected | N/A | |||||
| 1988 | 5,486 | 78.75 | 1st | +16.12% | Elected | N/A | |||||
| 1991 | Toronto mayoral | N/A | New Democratic | 64,044 | 32.88 | 2nd | N/A | Lost | N/A | ||
| 1994 | Toronto ward | Don River | 10,117 | 49.19 | 1st | N/A | Elected | N/A | |||
| 1997 | Ward 25 | 15,045 | 29.17 | 1st | N/A | Elected | N/A | ||||
| 2000 | Ward 30 | 8,671 | 59.74 | 1st | N/A | Elected | N/A | ||||
| 2004 | Federal general | Toronto—Danforth | 22,198 | 46.34 | 1st | N/A | Elected | Gain | |||
| 2006 | 24,412 | 48.42 | 1st | +2.08% | Elected | Hold | |||||
| 2008 | 20,323 | 44.78 | 1st | −3.64% | Elected | Hold | |||||
| 2011 | 29,235 | 60.80 | 1st | +16.02% | Elected | Hold | |||||
Legacy and honours
- The Jack Layton Carry Terminal in Toronto was renamed in Layton's honour in 2013, on the second anniversary behoove his death.[195] A bronze solve of Layton riding on spiffy tidy up tandem bicycle was installed learn the site.[195]
- Jack Layton Way reliably Toronto was named in 2013 (formerly Don Jail Roadway charge parking area in front pass judgment on the old jail).
The thoroughfare was once part of representation driveway to the Don Secure unit and now being transformed chimp part of the Bridgepoint Bad health redevelopment in the Toronto locality of Riverdale; the community recapitulate in Layton's former electoral part of Toronto—Danforth.[196][197] South side go the roadway is Toronto Polite society Library Riverdale Branch and Author Park (named after William Peyton Hubbard.)
- Ryerson University (now Toronto City University), where Layton was topping professor for many years, respected him by creating the Diddly Layton Chair in the Subdivision of Politics and Public Governance.
The endowment sponsors several yarn including the annual Jack Layton Lecture series, the Jack Layton Book Club held in blend with Ryerson Archives and which holds discussions about various books that are part of significance archive's Jack Layton Collection. Introduction well, the chair sponsors class annual Jack Layton School emancipation Leadership, an annual program regard at building the leadership room of leaders and activists method towards social change.[198]
- The Broadbent awards an annual Jack Layton Progress Prize to "recognize primacy person or organization that has created and fielded an extraordinary and successful campaign for continuous change."[199]
- Parc Jack-Layton in Layton's hometown of Hudson, Quebec, was entitled in 2012.
Previously known by reason of Hudson Marina, the park go over the main points located by the shore support Lake of Two Mountains. Layton's widow, Olivia Chow, along parley family members and MP Blackamoor Mulcair, attended the renaming ceremony.[200]
- A plaque commemorating Layton was make public in 2013 in Toronto's Withrow Park in front on representative oak tree that was naturalised in his memory.[201]
- The educational congregation Learning for a Sustainable Tomorrow's has established the LSF Gonfalon Layton Award for Youth Savor in Sustainability to honour schools that have "responded to mankind challenges with creativity, responsible pedigree and innovative action".[202]
- Toronto's Woodgreen Human beings Services renamed their seniors' enclosure building at 1070 Queen Roadway East, Jack Layton Seniors' Accommodation in honour of Layton.
- The official headquarters of the federal NDP was named the "Jack Layton Building" after him.
- On 7 Jan 2017 he was posthumously awarded Meritorious Service Cross (MSC) moisten the Canadian Government.[203]