Statements issued on Jack Layton's passing (updated)

NEWS RELEASES

OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER

GOVERNOR GENERAL OF CANADA

CAROL HUGHES, MP

DAVID ORAZIETTI, MPP

CELIA ROSS NDP CANDIDATE, SAULT STE. MARIE

BRYAN HAYES, MP

SAULT STE. MARIE PROVINCIAL NDP RIDING ASSOCIATION

UNITED STEELWORKERS

************************* Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on the death of Jack Layton

Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement following the death of Jack Layton: “I was deeply saddened to learn this morning of the death of Jack Layton. "When I last spoke with Jack following his announcement in July, I wished him well and he told me he'd be seeing me in the House of Commons in the fall. "This, sadly, will no longer come to pass. “On behalf of all Canadians, I salute Jack’s contribution to public life, a contribution that will be sorely missed. "I know one thing: Jack gave his fight against cancer everything he had.

"Indeed, Jack never backed down from any fight. "To his wife Olivia, his family, and to his colleagues and friends, Laureen and I offer our heartfelt condolences.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time." ************************* Message from His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, following the death of the leader of Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition, the Honourable Jack Layton OTTAWA — "My wife, Sharon, and I join all Canadians in deeply mourning the loss of Jack Layton today.

"As leader of Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition, Mr. Layton was held in great esteem by Canadians for his passionate dedication to the public good.

"Throughout his career as a community leader and politician, he constantly strived to bring people together in the common cause of building a better Canada, and he did so with great energy and commitment.

"His fundamental decency and his love of our country serve as examples to us all, and he will be greatly missed.

"We wish to extend our sincerest condolences to Mr. Layton's wife, Ms. Olivia Chow, and their family, friends and colleagues in this most difficult time.

"Our thoughts are with you."

- David Johnston

************************* Carol Hughes deeply saddened by the passing of Jack Layton

OTTAWA - Jack Layton was an inspirational leader who rekindled interest in politics among many Canadians who felt they had no influence in the affairs of the nation with his message of hope and compassion, according to Carol Hughes.

The MP for Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing is deeply saddened by the announcement this morning of Mr. Layton’s death after a valiant battle with cancer. “Jack had time for everybody,” said Hughes. “He always enjoyed visiting Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing and connecting with the people here. In recent years he had visited Elliot Lake, Manitoulin Island, Massey, Espanola, Hearst and Kapuskasing and looked forward to returning to see even more of the area.” Layton had battled prostate cancer for the better part of a year prior to mounting the most successful New Democrat campaign ever which saw him become the Official Leader of the Opposition.

His announcement in July that he was battling another cancer took many, who had watched him gain strength through the spring campaign, by surprise. “Jack always made time for his colleagues and had a personal touch that made him a natural leader,” said Hughes. “I am deeply sorry for his passing and send my sympathies to his family.” “Jack brought politics to people who felt they weren’t being represented. He was an inspirational leader and has left a legacy to Canadians of a revitalized New Democratic Party and an engaged electorate who rallied around his message of hope,” said Hughes.

“Whether it was his instrumental role in the residential schools apology, or his battle to allow seniors to live in dignity above the poverty line, Jack’s priorities were always for others and not himself. In that respect, he was a truly remarkable person and will be sadly missed.” “Although Jack has passed on, his message and ideals will continue to inspire us and will be the compass by which we guide ourselves as we continue our important work,” concluded Hughes.

************************* Statement on the passing of Jack Layton SAULT STE. MARIE, ON - David Orazietti, MPP made the following statement today regarding the passing of Jack Layton: “I am deeply saddened to hear of Jack Layton’s passing early this morning.

"My thoughts and prayers are with his wife Olivia, his family and his friends.

"Jack was a tremendous man and a tireless political advocate.

"His contributions to public life will not be forgotten.

"Jack showed great courage in his battle against cancer and we all hoped he would defeat it and return to his work in the House of Commons.

"He will be greatly missed by all Canadians.”

************************* SAULT STE. MARIE, ON - It is with deep sadness that I learned of the passing of our federal leader, Jack Layton.

A great Canadian who always put the needs of community first, Jack will be greatly missed by all who have worked with him over the years.

As I continue my quest to become the MPP for Sault Ste Marie, I will work hard to represent the values that Jack brought to politics - those of equality and social justice that will ensure no Canadian is left behind.

I would like to extend my most sincere condolences to his wife Olivia and children Mike and Sarah, and granddaughter Beatrice; to his caucus; and of course, the entire NDP family.

************************* "I am extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Jack Layton.

"He was a friend to many in Sault Ste. Marie and area.

"My condolences go out to his family and friends and my thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time.

"Although I have only been a Member of Parliament for a short time, I had the opportunity to experience first-hand Mr. Layton’s exceptional demeanor in the House of Commons this past spring and he exemplified the way a politician should behave and I was inspired.

"Prior to returning to Sault Ste. Marie, I had a lengthy conversation with Mr. Layton in the Ottawa Airport as we waited to board together.

"He was extremely engaging and spoke very fondly of Sault Ste. Marie and particularly of Tony Martin.

"He will be missed and I am honoured to say I knew him, albeit only for a brief time."

************************* To read the statementa from the Sault Ste. Marie Provincial NDP Riding Association and United Steelworkers, please click here.