To the Editor:
I agree with all the people marking the passing of Jack Layton who express the idea that his death marks the passing of a great Canadian. Often what distinguishes people who achieve this recognition is the bringing about of a singular event, and the event remaining in the minds of Canadians being linked to the individual. It no doubt helps if the event is actually a benefit to the country and the people living in it.
If we think back to Confederation, universal health care, the concept of Canadian armed forces being “peacekeepers” and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the names, for many of us, follow without hesitation: John A McDonald, Tommy Douglas, Lester B Pearson, Pierre Elliot Trudeau … Jack Layton?
Typifying Jack Layton's accomplishment as a singular event may not be as clearly evident; however, it is nonetheless dramatic. He clearly and strongly supported the policies of the party of which he was leader. He was able bring these policies from the documents where they were stored, and bring them to light in the public eye. It took time, but as the last election demonstrated, the idea of what the NDP stands for is beginning to be understood. In Quebec it clearly resonated with voters, and in the rest of Canada, at least more than ever before.
People can see that the principle of concern for the welfare of the general public is important. People understand that allowing self-regulation by multinational corporations whose only avowed principle is maximizing the bottom line is irresponsible. People can comprehend that the poor and disadvantaged, and indeed everyone, need protection from exploitation and suffering. The need for affordable and well-supported education and health services are a benefit to all. Workers’ rights, including those workers imported from poorer countries (itself a retrograde practice) are indeed rights and in a civilized country should not be bartered away to encourage industrial development. People are becoming more aware of these principles because Jack Layton was able to bring them to our attention in a manner that was clear, understandable, logical and sensible. That he was able to do this clearly marks him as a great Canadian. The evidence that he was able to do this, demonstrated in such a spectacular and totally unexpected way, is truly extraordinary.
That he almost incidentally at the same time brought Quebec into Cana-dian federalism is an incredible bonus.
The legacy Jack Layton has provided is truly something we can proudly cherish and thank him for in the years to come.
Bob Ewashen
Creston