Jack Layton



Sunday marked 10 years since we lost Jack Layton. This is a part of the letter he wrote just before he passed away. This section was addressed to all Canadians.

“Canada is a great country, one of the hopes of the world. We can be a better one – a country of greater equality, justice, and opportunity. We can build a prosperous economy and a society that shares its benefits more fairly. We can look after our seniors. We can offer better futures for our children. We can do our part to save the world’s environment. We can restore our good name in the world. We can do all of these things because we finally have a party system at the national level where there are real choices; where your vote matters; where working for change can actually bring about change. In the months and years to come, New Democrats will put a compelling new alternative to you. My colleagues in our party are an impressive, committed team. Give them a careful hearing; consider the alternatives; and consider that we can be a better, fairer, more equal country by working together. Don’t let them tell you it can’t be done.”


His words have never been truer. 


The Conservatives have outlined their underlying moral imperative in one word, “security”. They would have you build walls (sound familiar) and look inwards. Be tough on crime and let big business take over by creating yet more low tax incentives. 


The Liberals have yet to outline their moral imperative because they do what Liberals always do, wait for the others to speak up and then borrow a little of this and a little of that. Perhaps they have no more moral imperative than to simply “be in power.”


We remember Jack because he led the unprecedented “orange wave” ten years ago. We remember Jack because his words spoke about the qualities we all ascribe to being Canadian and how, through leadership we can attain those qualities.


This election we need to think beyond the tax breaks, the promises, this thing or that thing. We need to look at the moral imperative that drives a party. Then, why wouldn’t you choose equality, justice, fairness, clean air and a good name?


Jack’s final words were “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.”


Support our local riding & receive a tax credit return for your contribution! 

#miltonontario #NDP #ondp #JackLayton

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