NDP Leader Jack Layton died early this morning at the age of 61. Less than a month after he announced he would have to take time off to fight a second form of cancer, his wife NDP MP Olivia Chow and his children issued a statement saying he "passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family and loved ones. Details of Mr. Layton's funeral arrangements will be forthcoming."
Leader of the NDP since 2003, in the May federal election Layton led his party to historic highs. From holding just 36 seats when the election was called, the NDP won 103 seats and became the Official Opposition for the first time in history.
Two days before he died, Jack Layton wrote a letter to all Canadians. Read it here:
Jack Layton's Letter to Canadians
Photo: Don MacKinnon / Getty Images
More on Jack Layton
Jack Layton and the Winds of Change
After 50 Years, Layton Took NDP to the Summit - CBCNews
Democracy Has Suffered a Terrible Loss - Warren Kinsella, Toronto Sun
Canada is Weaker Without Layton's Passion, Conviction and Smile - John Ibbitson, The Globe and Mail
New Democratic Party of Canada
Federal NDP Leaders Since 1961
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