The TWU shares the sadness of all NDP members and supporters as it was announced that federal NDP Leader, Jack Layton, had passed away this morning.

  Layton, who had battled prostate cancer in 2009 and had led the NDP to 103 seats in Parliament and Official Opposition status in May, announced on July 25 that he was battling another form of cancer and would be temporarily stepping down as Party Leader.

TWU President George Doubt said, “Jack was a great Leader who had the goals and aspirations of all working Canadians in mind as he worked to build a better Canada.  His energy, optimism and vision for Canada will be sorely missed.”

Jack’s use of Tommy Douglas’ famous quote “Courage, my friends; ‘tis not to late to build a better world” in every email underlined Jack’s vision.  When Jack realized that things were not going well, he penned a letter of hope to all Canadians on August 20.  Click here to see that letter http://www.ndp.ca/letter-to-canadians-from-jack-layton

The TWU would like to offer our condolences to Jack’s wife, Olivia Chow, and children Michael and Sarah.