Readers Respond: What Was Jack Layton's Biggest Contribution to Canadian Politics?

The death of Jack Layton has brought an outpouring of grief across Canada. A few examples of the things that Jack Layton's colleagues had to say on his death are:

"Jack never backed down from a fight."
~Prime Minister Stephen Harper

"He expressed the collective dreams of all of us through his policies, his political and personal work and his thousands of relationships."
~Sid Ryan, Ontario Federation of Labour President

"I could always count on Jack Layton."
~Darrell Dexter, Premier of Nova Scotia

What do you think was Jack Layton's biggest contribution to Canadian politics, and what will you miss about him the most? Share Your Thoughts

Its Him...

I live in USA but I always come to Surrey and I heard about this is Surrey. I was so sad to hear it and I believe that he was a remarkable person in politics. There's nothing else to say...he was the best, not selfish, always giving and so much more. RIP and we'll go through with you Olivia Chow, a struggling wife.

—Guest Selena Gomez

The Best Ever...

BEST EVER - thats exactly what he was. He was just "right about everything." He was never selfish just giving and the good people always go out of this world first...noticed?

—Guest celine deon

Accountability

Jack kept those in power to be more accountable and transparent.

—tekpappy

He Cared

Jack Layton cared about all of us. He cared about women and fought for women's rights. He cared about gay and lesbian people and fought for their dignity. He cared about those stricken with poverty and fought for policies and programs to assist them. He cared about those who strive for further education and fought to maintain affordable tuition fees. He cared about people who are wealthy and fought to ensure financial and health systems for them. Jack Layton cared about everyone. He wanted everyone to have an opportunity to achieve their dreams and goals without censoring what those dreams and goals should be. Thank you, Jack.

—Guest Sally Kidson

My Hero

Jack Layton helped many Canadians. He was brave and never backed down. I looked up to him and see him as a hero. He truly changed this country, well at least me and my family

—Guest baby girl

Jack Layton Was Unique

Prior to Jack Layton, the NDP were the "little Liberals." Jack recognized that the Liberals were the real opponents. The Conservatives were only the ideological opponents. Instead of being a junior Liberal, he strove to define the differences between the Liberals and the NDP. Finally, in the leaders' debate, he crushed Ignatieff and the Liberals (to everyone's surprise). Tirelessly, McDonough campaigned against the Reform, Cdn Alliance, and the Conservatives. In doing so, she inadvertently supported the Liberals. Jack was unique. He recognized the real enemy and crushed them. I sincerely hope that the next NDP leader is like Jack and NOT like Alexa. Jack would clearly define the new NDP policies rather than simply attacking Harper. Jack had a vision - not simply a series of complaints and protests about the Conservatives, corporations, and the Americans. What does the NDP stand for. Jack answered the question before it was asked.

—Guest F. George Hambleton

A Bright Light

Even in death this man has brought the country together and possibly has made some people realize we really don't have to have dictators and that the press is here to inform citizens, not to keep them in ignorance.

—Guest Phyllis Chubb

From a US Observer of Canadian Politics

He singlehandedly spearheaded a political movement last spring, that brought Canada back from the brink of going in a Conservative direction that might have been destined to last for several decades. My hope is that those who so believe in the principles of the NDP as much as Jack did, will carry on his legacy.

—Guest sue mcginley

Helping Others

Jack gave us an idea to respect all life, and ourselves as well. We are all collectively here to watch over those among us, who at some time or another are too low to help themselves. No one life means more than another. Jack and Olivia knew this, and it showed by the way they helped others. A simple gesture of caring from both of them, they are a loving example of being grateful and thankful for the richness in their lives. Love, thanks and Blessings to the family.

—Guest Linda Gear

He Brought Decency Back Into Politics

Jack Layton's objective was truly to serve people. He was honest to his agenda and brought back the Canadain value of decency into politics. Look around in the world and try to find a similar leader. I am sure your search will come out empty.

—Guest Mian M Siddiq

Jack's Contribution to Canada

He asked the right questions to hold leader's accountable irrespective of the parties.

—Guest Shashi Krishan

STEPHEN HARPER

THE DESTRUCTION OF THE LIBERALS AND ELECTION OF THE CONSERVATIVE COVERNMENT THAT HAS SAVED CANADA'S ECONOMY AS THE WORLD CRASHES IN SOCIALIST DEBT. WE CONSERVATIVES ARE FOREVER THANKFUL. SERIOUSLY, HE WAS A GREAT CANADIAN THAT WE SHOULD ALL BE THANKFUL FOR.

—Guest HURONHURONE