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Remembering Jack Layton
Today, Canada suffered a great loss: Jack Layton, leader of the NDP, passed away. My thoughts are with Olivia, Mike, Sarah and all of Jack’s family during this difficult time.
Posted by Gerald Butts
Throughout his life, Jack was a great friend to the Canadian conservation movement. Sometimes described as a “poster boy” for the environment, Mr. Layton often led the way on important environmental issues, particularly clean air and climate change. He was a forward thinker on topics like options for limiting greenhouse gas emissions and growing renewable energy.
He was behind important proposed legislation, passed by the House of Commons, that set science-based hard targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions with the long-term goal of reducing emissions to 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. Jack personally championed this Climate Change Accountability Act for four years.
As head of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities in the late 1990s, he collaborated closely with WWF in a successful legal battle confirming the constitutional rights of municipalities to control the cosmetic use of pesticides — a precedent that has been applied right across Canada to this day.
His support for environmental campaigns also had a lighter side: just last February, he and other NDP MPs participated in WWF’s National Sweater Day to help raise awareness about the importance of energy conservation. Mr. Layton was also known for his personal commitment to conservation – the sight of him bicycling to work through his career was a familiar one.
I had the pleasure of meeting Jack many times over the years. He was a passionate advocate and tireless worker for our common cause. In a happy accident, I last saw Jack when we were both stranded at the Ottawa airport due to a massive thunderstorm, on Oceans Day in June. We spent much of the evening together, cheering on the Canucks in game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final. In retrospect, it’s amazing how much energy and enthusiasm he exhibited that evening. His excitement at taking on his new role as Leader of Her Majesty’s Official Opposition was then evident and now tragic. He will be sorely missed. May he rest in peace.
4 Responses to Remembering Jack Layton
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i never met u in person.but in my heart u were a nice person u believe in us the people.you fight for us.i hope u and your family know how turly sorry i am to here you pass.you will be miss in my heart.alway xoxo
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Jack Layton was to our family a true champion as he fought for issues that are important to the average man and woman.
He was a politician we felt we could trust and would follow through on the problems people face.We send our love to his family at this time and to tell you we will miss his smile and his honesty. Fly Fly Fly friend.
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Mr Jack Layton was to me the best politician I have met in my life. I met Mr Layton in Ontario at an FCM meeting,I was a city councillor and he made a believer out of me for his honesty and truly representing our country in every words he said. Thank you Mr Layton for what you made me believe in. Thank you.
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At WWF-Canada, we're passionate about climate, water and people. Follow us for the latest from Panda HQ.
Oh how I miss Jack Layton so much. He was one of the only politicians I truly believed in. He had an amazing track record for doing so much socially and environmentally. I just hope the NDP can carry on his legacy and do all the important things he did. RIP Jack Layton….gone too soon
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