Layton remembered

John Rafferty said he always thought his boss Jack Layton would return to work in the fall.
It wasn’t meant to be.

The 61-year-old Layton died early Monday morning, surrounded by friends and family at his Toronto home. Rafferty, the NDP representative in Thunder Bay-Rainy River, said he was convinced that the return of Layton’s cancer was just another blip, an obstacle the likeable federal NDP leader would overcome.

“He has come back many times before, he was a great fighter,” Rafferty said, admitting he was just as much in the dark about Layton’s condition as the rest of Canada.

“We as MPs didn’t hear anything more about Layton’s battle or condition than what the public knew. He clearly wanted to keep it private.”

Nonetheless, it was the No. 1 topic of conversation just about anywhere Rafferty, who represents the NDP in Thunder Bay-Rainy River, went.

Rafferty said a weekend visit to the Kakabeka Street Fair proved it, when several people asked about Layton’s health.

It was clear that many people in the Thunder Bay area cared about Layton and he was probably the main reason why people voted for the party in the first place, he said. |

In honour of Layton, Rafferty closed his office for the day and said he plans to go to the funeral.

Rafferty’s fellow NDP MP Bruce Hyer (Thunder Bay-Superior North), issued a comment while on vacation. He said he was sad to hear the news about Layton's passing.

“He was a champion for everyday Canadians, and has inspired so many of us to never give up in striving for a better society," Hyer said. "“Jack fought his final battle against cancer just as he fought for a better Canada: with courage and determination, no matter the odds.

"Until the very end he was full of ideas and thoughts about the future. Jack loved Canada, and he asked that people carry on to build a country of greater equality, justice, prosperity and opportunity for all Canadians."

A book of condolences has been started at Hyer’s constituency office.

Layton, a fierce proponent of social issues, served as a Toronto city councillor before taking the NDP reins in 2003.

Coun. Iain Angus a federal MP  for the NDP from 1984 to 1993, said Layton left a significant legacy in Toronto when he served on council.

“I was very impressed with the number of positive changes he was able to make for the city of Toronto and the people who lived there,” said Angus, who ran Bill Blaikie’s leadership campaign against Layton eight years ago.

“I think that’s his greatest legacy in terms of changes in that community for the better. Jack was a remarkable New Democrat, a remarkable human being and he will be missed.”

Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Stan Beardy said he was shocked and saddened at the news of Layton’s passing.

“As a politician, Jack was looked at as a friend to the people of Nishnawbe Aski.  He was a strong leader who understood the social struggles facing First Nations.  He understood our aspirations to create a stronger and more economically-sound future for our children.  Jack will be greatly missed,” Beardy said in a NAN-issued release.

The City of Thunder Bay has lowered the Canadian flag at city hall to half mast out of respect to Layton, a move that will continue until after his funeral.

With files from Leith Dunick

   --- Follow Jeff Labine on Twitter: @Labine_reporter