Jack Layton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jack Layton
PC, M.S.C.
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Leader of the Opposition | |
| In office May 2, 2011 – August 22, 2011 |
|
| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Prime Minister | Stephen Harper |
| Preceded by | Michael Ignatieff |
| Succeeded by | Nycole Turmel |
| Leader of the New Democratic Party | |
| In office January 25, 2003 – August 22, 2011 (Leave of absence from July 28, 2011) |
|
| Preceded by | Alexa McDonough |
| Succeeded by | Nycole Turmel (Interim) |
| Member of the Canadian Parliament for Toronto—Danforth |
|
| In office June 28, 2004 – August 22, 2011 |
|
| Preceded by | Dennis Mills |
| Succeeded by | Craig Scott |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
John Gilbert Layton
July 18, 1950 Montreal, Quebec, Canada |
| Died | August 22, 2011 (aged 61) Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
| Resting place | Ashes scattered on the Toronto Islands, buried in the Toronto Necropolis and planted at the Wyman United Church cemetery in Hudson, Quebec |
| Political party | New Democratic Party |
| Spouses |
Sally Halford
(m. 1969; div. 1983) |
| Children | Mike Layton Sarah Layton |
| Alma mater | McGill University York University |
| Profession | Professor, Politician |
| Signature |  |
John Gilbert "Jack" Layton (born July 18, 1950 – died August 22, 2011) was an important Canadian politician. He was the leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP) from 2003 until his death in 2011. For a short time, he was also the Leader of the Official Opposition, which means his party had the second-most seats in the Canadian Parliament. Before becoming a federal leader, he worked on the city council in Toronto. He was a Member of Parliament for Toronto—Danforth from 2004 until he passed away.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Jack Layton was born in Montreal, Quebec, and grew up in a nearby town called Hudson, Quebec. His family had a history of being involved in politics. His father, Robert Layton, was also a Member of Parliament.
Even in high school, Jack was interested in leadership. He was elected president of his student council. His high school yearbook even predicted he would become a politician!
He went to McGill University and earned a degree in political science. Later, he continued his studies at York University, where he earned a master's degree and then a PhD in political science.
In 1974, Jack Layton became a professor at Ryerson Polytechnical Institute (now called Toronto Metropolitan University). He taught at several universities and became known as an activist. He wrote books about important social issues, like homelessness.
Political Career Highlights
Jack Layton first became well-known in Toronto city politics. He was a strong voice for progressive ideas on the city council. He supported many causes that aimed to improve life for people. In 1991, he even ran to become the mayor of Toronto.
He later became the head of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. This group works to support cities and towns across Canada.
Leading the New Democratic Party
In 2003, Jack Layton was chosen as the leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP). Under his leadership, the NDP grew a lot. More and more Canadians started to support the party.
In the 2004 election, the NDP almost doubled its number of votes. This gave the party a special role in Parliament. They held the "balance of power," meaning they could help decide if the government's plans would pass or not.
The NDP continued to gain more support in the 2006 and 2008 elections. They elected more Members of Parliament each time.
Historic 2011 Election
The 2011 federal election was a huge success for Jack Layton and the NDP. For the first time in the party's history, they won 103 seats in Parliament. This was enough for the NDP to become the Official Opposition. This means they were the main party challenging the government.
The NDP's success was especially big in Quebec. They won 59 out of 75 seats in that province, which was a major achievement.
Personal Life and Interests
Jack Layton came from a family with a history of public service. His great-granduncle, William Steeves, was one of the "Fathers of Confederation." This means he helped create Canada as a country. His great-grandfather was an activist for people who were blind.
Jack Layton was known for his friendly personality. He loved to play music and sing folk songs at gatherings. People remembered how he could bring everyone together with his positive attitude.
He was also a big fan of Star Trek. He even had a special uniform made and was photographed wearing it at a Star Trek convention.
Jack Layton was married to Olivia Chow, who was also a Member of Parliament.
Passing and Public Reaction
Jack Layton passed away at his home in Toronto on August 22, 2011. He was 61 years old and had been battling cancer.
When people heard the news, there was a huge outpouring of sadness across Canada. Many people left messages and flowers in public places.
Two days before he died, Jack Layton wrote an open letter to Canadians. In this letter, he shared his hopes for the future. He encouraged everyone to be loving, hopeful, and optimistic. He ended his letter with the famous words: "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."
Jack Layton was given a state funeral, which is a special honour for important public figures. His ashes were scattered in several meaningful places. This included a jack pine tree planted on Toronto Island and at his family's plot in Quebec.
Legacy and Honours
Jack Layton's impact on Canada is remembered in many ways. Several places and awards have been named in his honour:
- The Jack Layton Ferry Terminal in Toronto was renamed for him in 2013. A bronze statue of him riding a tandem bicycle is there.
- A street in Toronto, Jack Layton Way, was also named in 2013.
- Toronto Metropolitan University, where he used to teach, created the Jack Layton Chair. This supports lectures and programs about leadership and social change.
- The Broadbent Institute gives an annual Jack Layton Progress Prize. This award recognizes people or groups who have worked for positive change.
- Parc Jack-Layton was named in his hometown of Hudson, Quebec, in 2012.
- A plaque and an oak tree were placed in Toronto's Withrow Park to remember him.
- An award for youth action in sustainability was created in his name.
- A seniors' housing building in Toronto was renamed Jack Layton Seniors' Housing.
- The national headquarters of the NDP party is called the "Jack Layton Building."
Images for kids
-
Jack Layton and Olivia Chow on their way to vote, May 2, 2011
-
In a media scrum during the 2006 winter election campaign
-
Broadbent and Jack Layton at a 2008 election rally in Toronto
-
Layton with his chief of staff, Anne McGrath, campaigning in Quebec City
-
Layton in Quebec during the federal electoral campaign
-
Layton's coffin is taken from Parliament Hill after lying in state in Ottawa.
-
A memorial for Layton at the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, which was renamed in his honour in 2013
-
Jack Layton's casket is carried into the Centre Block for his lying-in-state
-
Jack Layton hommage in Toronto, Canada
See also
In Spanish: Jack Layton para niños
