For readers who may not be familiar with Canadian political figures, Mr. Jack Layton is described in the The Canadian Encyclopedia as follows: “John Gilbert “Jack” Layton, educator, municipal and federal politician, New Democratic Party leader (born at Montréal, 18 Jul 1950; died at Toronto 22 Aug 2011). Jack Layton, leader of the federal New Democratic Party from 2003-2011, headed the first NDP party to sit as Canada’s Official Opposition in the House of Commons” (https://tinyurl.com/bdh7htsr).
In a last, and most beautiful, letter to Canadians, the late yet unforgettable Mr. Jack Layton wrote: “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” (https://tinyurl.com/4eb9ejb7). Is there anything more uplifting and inspiring than those words, especially coming from a man of integrity and humanity in public service?
Mr. Layton strongly believed that “Canada is a great country, one of the hopes of the world“. We may or may not fully agree with his politics or vision for Canada. However, we cannot not have the utmost respect for him.
Thank you, Mr. Layton for your beliefs and principles. Canada, with the entire world, needs principled leaders like you. We call them statespersons and they can/do exist within any political party. Right and left. Centre. Maybe independent. All the latter become secondary when what matters the most is put first, namely the best interests of one’s beloved country.
