Canadian Peace Alliance Statement on the Passing of Jack Layton
For decades, Jack Layton was a fixture at peace rallies in Toronto and a supporter of the activities of the anti-war movement in Canada. Today all those working to end war and injustice mourn his loss and extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends.
When Jack won the NDP leadership in early 2003, the Canadian media were lined up to talk to him. While many politicians would have used the air time to bask in the glory of a personal victory, Jack used each and every radio, TV and print interview to urge Canadians to join the demonstrations against the war in Iraq on February 15. On that day a half million people marched in 85 demonstrations from coast to coast and the Chretien Government began to waver in its support for the war. Countless thousands of people marched that day because Jack used his platform to push for peace.
In September 2006, at the NDP Convention in Quebec City, every participant was given a “Support Our Troops - Bring Them Home” button at the door and the NDP became, at the time, the first Social Democratic Party in the world to make an explicit call for the withdrawal of all troops from Afghanistan. Jack spoke at that convention with Malalai Joya, giving this former member of parliament from Afghanistan a platform to call for an end to the NATO occupation of that country. Jack withstood shrill and persistent attacks form the right-wing, who labelled him “Taliban Jack” for his position on the war. Most of those who attacked him have had to eat their words and realize that dialogue -- not an endless, escalating war -- is a crucial element to securing peace in that country.
There were of course occasions when the peace movement disagreed with the NDP's positions, but Jack was always open to dialogue, and on a personal level he was by all accounts remarkably open and generous.
Whether campaigning against racism, Islamaphobia or for the rights of those living under the spectre of war and occupation, Jack stood with us at countless rallies in Toronto and across the country. This included a speech at a frozen demonstration in February of this year were he, despite his health issues, stood in the cold and announced his solidarity with the Egyptian people fighting for justice and democracy.
There remains enormous work to do towards changing Canadian foreign policy away from its current reckless and aggressive path, creating a country that treads more lightly on people abroad and on the planet. Jack's moving and inspiring words of farewell to Canadians will give us more energy to go forward in our work. We will redouble our efforts to create that better world; a world where hope can defeat fear, optimism can overcome despair and where love triumphs over anger. Jack's contributions to our movements for peace and justice will be sorely missed.
Christine Jones and Derrick O'Keefe, Canadian Peace Alliance - Co-chairs
Sid Lacombe, Canadian Peace Alliance - Coordinator
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Canadian Peace Alliance
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phone: 416-588-5555
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