Canadians mark the anniversary of Jack Layton’s death
Posted August 22, 2012 6:50 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
OTTAWA (NEWS1130) – The first anniversary of Jack Layton’s death will be marked today; Layton passed away from cancer on Aug. 22, 2011.
The people who were closest to him say the former NDP leader is still influencing people’s lives.
Layton’s family, friends and supporters will hold a giant memorial for him. His widow, Olivia Chow, says the Toronto gathering will be more a celebration of what Layton stood for — hope and optimism — than about the man himself.
“It’s been a very tough year,” says Chow. “I miss Jack a lot.”
Chow says it does help knowing that people continue to honour Jack’s legacy through acts of kindness or charity to make the world a better place.
“To see that kind of response is just wonderful and it doesn’t matter what political stripe that person has,” Chow said. “As long as we strive to make a difference.”
She tells us everywhere she goes, she is reminded of her late husband and it’s particularly difficult on holidays, birthdays, and anniversaries. “I’m constantly reminded of him when I’m at Parliament Hill, at home… and in our Ottawa apartment so it’s pretty tough.”
The family will inter some of Layton’s ashes at a Toronto cemetery before going to City Hall for the memorial service, featuring such performers as Ron Sexsmith and Raffi. The day-long event will include a farmer’s market, a video tribute, photographs and a chalk artist who will be creating images in the square, reminiscent of the chalk tributes after Layton’s death.
The event is being hosted by the Layton family and the Broadbent Institute. Events are also planned in other cities across Canada, including an informal celebration of life outside the Vancouver Convention Centre at 6 p.m.
Last year at Layton’s memorial service in Toronto, former NDP leader Alexa McDonough reflected on his life, saying Layton was popular because he affected people in a very ordinary way.
Supporters say those words ring true today, as the New Democrats hold onto the official Opposition status they won under Layton in the last federal election.
Organizers say they hope Layton’s message of love, hope and optimism will once again fill Nathan Phillips Square through music, words and images.
Layton was a Toronto councillor before moving into federal politics.
