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Jack Layton

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The Honourable
Jack Layton

PC, MP, BA (McGill), MA, PhD (York)
Leader of the New Democratic Party
Incumbent
Assumed office
January 25, 2003
Preceded byAlexa McDonough
Member of Parliament
for Toronto—Danforth
Incumbent
Assumed office
2004 federal election
Preceded byDennis Mills
Personal details
Born (1950-07-18) July 18, 1950 (age 74)
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Political partyNew Democratic Party
Spouse(s)Sally Halford (1969-1983, div.)
Olivia Chow (1988-present)
ChildrenSarah and Mike Layton
Residence(s)Toronto, Ontario
Alma materMcGill University
York University
OccupationPolitician
ProfessionProfessor, activist
Signature

John Gilbert "Jack" Layton, PC, MP (born July 18, 1950) is a Canadian social democratic politician, who has been the leader of the New Democratic Party since 2003. He previously served on Toronto City Council, also serving at times during that period as acting mayor and deputy mayor of Toronto, Ontario.[1] On June 28, 2004, he was elected Member of Parliament for the constituency of Toronto—Danforth. He is married to fellow MP Olivia Chow.

The son of a Progressive Conservative cabinet minister, Layton was raised in Hudson, Quebec. He rose to prominence in Toronto municipal politics where he was one of the most prominent left-wing voices on city and metro council, and was also a Board member for the Toronto Port Authority. In 1991 he ran for mayor, but lost to June Rowlands. Remaining on council he rose to become head of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. In 2003 he was elected head of the NDP on the first ballot of the convention.

Under his leadership, the NDP considerably increased their support, almost doubling the party's popular vote in the 2004 election, though vote splitting with the Liberals limited their gain in seats. Layton's NDP held balance of power in Paul Martin's minority government, where in May 2005 the NDP supported the Liberal budget in exchange for major amendments, in what was promoted as Canada's "First NDP budget".[2] In November of that year, Layton worked with other opposition parties in bringing down the Liberal government over the findings of the Gomery Commission. The NDP saw further gains in the 2006 and 2008 elections, in which the party won more seats than it had since its 1980s peak. The NDP's current tally of 37 MPs under Layton is just six seats short of the party's all-time high under Ed Broadbent.

Early life and education

Jack Layton was born in Montreal and reared in nearby Hudson, Quebec, a comfortable and largely anglophone community.[3] His parents were Robert Layton and Doris Elizabeth Steeves. He was elected student council president of his high school, Hudson High School, and his yearbook predicted that he would become a politician.[4] He studied political science at McGill University, where he became a Brother of the Sigma Chi Fraternity, and in 1969, at age 19, he married his high school sweetheart Sally Halford, with whom he had two children, Mike (who is currently a Toronto City Councillor), and Sarah.[5] Layton and Halford's marriage ultimately ended in 1983 after 14 years. In 1969 and 1970 he was the Prime Minister of the Quebec Youth Parliament.[6]

In 1970, the family moved to Toronto where Layton went to York University to obtain his Ph.D. in political science. Layton then became a professor at Ryerson University.[7] He also became a prominent activist for a variety of causes. He has written several books, including Homelessness: The Making and Unmaking of a Crisis and, more recently, a book on general public policy, Speaking Out.

Layton comes from a long line of politicians. His great-granduncle, William Steeves, was a Father of Confederation. His great-grandfather Philip Layton was a blind activist who led a campaign for disability pensions in the 1930s. His grandfather, Gilbert Layton, was a cabinet minister in the Union Nationale government of Maurice Duplessis in Quebec, and resigned due to the provincial government's lack of support for Canadian participation in World War II. His father, Robert Layton, was a Liberal Party activist in the 1960s and 1970s, and served as a Progressive Conservative Member of Parliament (MP) and Cabinet minister in the 1980s.[8]

Toronto City Council

At York and Ryerson, Layton developed close links with a number of Toronto figures including John Sewell and David Crombie. He was first elected to Toronto City Council in 1982, in a surprise upset against incumbent Gordon Chong. He quickly became one of the most outspoken members of council, and a leader of the left wing.[9] He was one of the most vocal opponents of the massive SkyDome project,[10] and an early advocate for rights for AIDS patients.[11] In 1984, he was fined for trespassing when he handed out leaflets at the Eaton Centre during a strike by Eaton's staff, but the charge was later thrown out on freedom of speech grounds.[12] Layton was also one of the few opponents to Toronto's bid for the 1996 Summer Olympics.[13] In 1985, he moved to the Metropolitan Toronto council, in the first direct elections for members of that body.[14][15] In the 1988 municipal elections, Layton traded places with City Council ally Dale Martin, with Martin going to Metro and Layton returning to Toronto City Council. Layton was easily elected in a contest with former high school teacher Lois MacMillan-Walker. The election was a major victory for Layton as the reformist coalition of which he was the de facto head gained control of City Council, the first time in city history a coalition of New Democrats and independents controlled council.[16]

On July 9, 1988, he married Hong Kong-born Toronto District School Board trustee Olivia Chow in a ceremony on Algonquin Island.[17][18] Their whitewater rafting honeymoon plans had to be abandoned, however, when days before the wedding Layton collided with a newspaper box while bicycling.[19] Chow later joined Layton on the Toronto City Council, and she has also been a candidate for the federal New Democrats three times, winning her seat the third time in a close race against Tony Ianno in the 2006 Canadian election.

Layton and Chow were also the subject of some dispute when a June 14, 1990 Toronto Star article by Tom Kerr accused them of unfairly living in a housing co-operative subsidized by the federal government, despite their high income.[20] Layton and Chow had both lived in the Hazelburn Co-op since 1985, and lived together in an $800 per month three-bedroom apartment after their marriage in 1988. By 1990, their combined annual income was $120,000, and in March of that year they began voluntarily paying an additional $325 per month to offset their share of the co-op's Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation subsidy, the only members of the co-op to do so. In response to the article, the co-op's board argued that having mixed-income tenants was crucial to the success of co-ops, and that the laws deliberately set aside apartments for those willing to pay market rates, such as Layton and Chow.[21] During the late 1980s and early 1990s they maintained approximately 30% of their units as low income units and provided the rest at what they considered market rent. In June 1990, the city's solicitor cleared the couple of any wrong-doing,[22] and later that month, Layton and Chow left the co-op and bought a house in Toronto's Chinatown together with Chow's mother, a move they said had been planned for some time.[23] Former Toronto mayor John Sewell later wrote in NOW that rival Toronto city councillor Tom Jakobek had given the story to Tom Kerr.[24]

Originally known for coming to council meetings in blue jeans with unkempt hair, Layton worked to change his image to run for mayor in the 1991 civic election. He also started wearing contact lenses, abandoning his glasses, and traded in his blue jeans for suits.[25] In February 1991, Layton became the first official NDP candidate for the mayoralty, pitting him against centrist incumbent Art Eggleton.[26] In a move that surprised many, Eggleton elected not to run again.[27]

Layton was opposed by three right-of-centre candidates: Susan Fish, June Rowlands, and Betty Disero. Right wing support soon coalesced around former city councillor Rowlands, preventing the internal divisions Layton needed to win office.[28] Layton was also hurt by the growing unpopularity of the provincial NDP government of Bob Rae,[29] and by his earlier opposition to Toronto's Olympic bid. Bid organizer Paul Henderson accused Layton and his allies of costing Toronto the event.[30] Despite this, October polls showed Layton only four points behind Rowlands, with 36% support.[31] However on October 17, Fish, a former provincial Tory cabinet minister who had only 19% support, pulled out of the race, and many of her supporters moved to Rowlands. Layton lost the November 12 election by a considerable margin.[32] However, in the same election Olivia Chow easily won a seat on City Council.

Layton returned to academia and founded the Green Catalyst Group Inc., an environmental consulting business.[33] In 1993, he ran for the Canadian House of Commons in the riding of Rosedale for the NDP, but finished fourth in the generally Liberal riding. In 1994, he returned to Metropolitan Toronto Council, and he resumed his high profile role in local politics. He also came to national attention as the leader of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.[34] Federally, he ran again in the 1997 election, but lost to incumbent Dennis Mills by a wide margin. In June, 1999, as chair of Toronto's environmental task force, the Toronto Atmospheric Fund, he was instrumental in the preliminary phases of the WindShare wind power cooperative in Toronto through the Toronto Renewable Energy Co-operative.[35]

Leader of the NDP

Jack Layton addresses the 2003 NDP convention in Toronto, where he was elected leader

Layton was elected leader of the NDP at the party's leadership convention in Toronto, on January 25, 2003. Layton won on the first ballot with 53.5% of the vote, defeating Bill Blaikie and Lorne Nystrom.[36] His campaign was focused on the need to reinvigorate the party, and was prominently endorsed by former NDP leader Ed Broadbent.[37]

Layton in 2008.

Layton did not seek election to the House of Commons by running in a by-election, as is the tradition among new party leaders without a seat. Instead, he waited until the 2004 federal election to contest the riding of Toronto—Danforth against Liberal Dennis Mills. With no seat in the House of Commons, he appointed the runner-up, longtime Winnipeg-area MP Bill Blaikie, as parliamentary leader.[38] Although he had no parliamentary seat, Layton was noted for drawing considerable attention from the Canadian mass media.[39][40] Much of his rhetoric has involved attacking the policies of Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin as conservative, and arguing the ideology of the Liberal Party of Canada has shifted in a more right wing direction. Another focus of Layton's leadership has been to focus the party's efforts on Quebec, one of the party's weaker provinces.[41] One of his opponents in the leadership race, Pierre Ducasse, was the first Québécois to run for leader of the NDP. After the race, Layton appointed Ducasse as his Quebec lieutenant and party spokesperson.[42]

The result of Layton's efforts was a strong increase in the party's support. By the end of 2003, the party was polling higher than both the Canadian Alliance or Progressive Conservatives[43] and it was even suggested that the next election could see the NDP in place as official opposition.[44]

2004 election

See also: Homelessness in Canada

During the 2004 Canadian federal election, controversy erupted over Layton's accusation that Liberal Prime Minister Paul Martin was responsible for the deaths of homeless people because he failed to provide funding for affordable housing.[45] While rates of homelessness and homeless deaths increased during the eleven years of Liberal government, the link to Martin's decisions was indirect as affordable housing is a mainly provincial jurisdiction.[46] Layton's charge was defended by some, including the Ottawa Citizen,[47] but most attacked it as inaccurate and negative campaigning. Moreover the controversy consumed the campaign, overshadowing policy announcements over the next week.[48]

Further controversy followed as Layton suggested the removal of the Clarity Act, considered by some to be vital to keeping Quebec in Canada and by others as undemocratic, and promised to recognize any declaration of independence by Quebec after a referendum.[49] This position was not part of the NDP's official party policy, leading some high-profile party members, such as NDP House Leader Bill Blaikie and former NDP leader Alexa McDonough, to publicly indicate that they did not share Layton's views. His position on the Clarity Act was reversed in the 2006 election to one of support.[50]

Layton advocated replacing the first-past-the-post system with proportional representation. He even threatened to use the NDP's clout in the event of a minority government. However, it was dismissed out of hand by the Liberal and Bloc Québécois leaders, as they tend to be favored by the first-past-the-post system, normally being allocated a greater proportion of seats than the proportion of votes cast for them. Historically, the NDP's popular vote does not translate into a proportional number of seats because of scattered support. This was most opposed by the Bloc Québécois, who usually had the lowest popular vote but nonetheless won many seats because their support was concentrated in Quebec.

Despite these problems, Layton led the NDP to a 15% popular vote, its highest in 16 years. However, it only won 19 seats in the House of Commons, two less than the 21 won under Alexa McDonough in 1997, and far short of the 40 that Layton predicted on the eve of the election. However, some potential NDP voters may have voted Liberal to prevent a possible Conservative win. Layton's wife, Olivia Chow, and several other prominent Toronto NDP candidates lost tight races and Layton won his own seat against incumbent Liberal Dennis Mills by a much narrower margin than early polls indicated.

Liberal minority government

With the ruling Liberal Party being reduced to a minority government, revelations of the sponsorship scandal damaging its popularity to the point where both the Conservative Party and the Bloc Québécois were pressing their advantage for a snap election, the Prime Minister approached the NDP for its support. Layton demanded the cancellation of proposed corporate tax cuts and called for an increase in social spending. The ensuing compromise in the NDP's favour was protested by the other opposition parties who used it as a pretext to force a non-confidence vote. On May 19, two such votes were defeated and Layton's amendments went on to be passed on its final reading vote on June 23. As a result of this political coup and his apparent civil behavior in a spitefully raucous parliament, many political analysts have noted that Layton has gained increased credibility as an effective leader of an important party, becoming the major second choice leader in many political polls - for example, polling second in Quebec after Gilles Duceppe, despite the low polls for his party as a whole in the province.

In mid-November 2005, when Liberal support dropped after the Gomery Commission delivered its first report, Layton offered the Prime Minister several conditions in return for the NDP's continued support, most notably a ban on private health care in Canada. When the Liberals turned him down, Layton announced he would introduce a motion requesting a February election. However, the Martin government refused to allow the election date to be decided by the opposition. A motion of non-confidence followed, moved by Stephen Harper and seconded by Layton, triggering the 2006 federal election.

Coalition attempt with the BQ and the Conservatives

On March 26, 2011, Duceppe stated that Harper had tried to form a coalition government with the Bloc and NDP in response to Harper's allegations that the Liberals may form a coalition with the Bloc and the NDP.[51] Stephen Harper privately met with Bloc Québécois leader Gilles Duceppe and New Democratic Party leader Jack Layton in a Montreal hotel. The meeting took place between the three party leaders happened 2 months after the federal election.[52] On September 9, 2004, the three signed a letter addressed to then-Governor General Adrienne Clarkson, stating,

We respectfully point out that the opposition parties, who together constitute a majority in the House, have been in close consultation. We believe that, should a request for dissolution arise, this should give you cause, as constitutional practice has determined, to consult the opposition leaders and consider all of your options before exercising your constitutional authority.[52]

On the same day the letter was written, the three party leaders held a joint press conference at which they expressed their intent to co-operate on changing parliamentary rules, and to request that the Governor General consult with them before deciding to call an election.[53] At the news conference, Harper said "It is the Parliament that's supposed to run the country, not just the largest party and the single leader of that party. That's a criticism I've had and that we've had and that most Canadians have had for a long, long time now so this is an opportunity to start to change that." However, at the time, Harper and the two other opposition leaders denied trying to form a coalition government.[52] Harper said, "This is not a coalition, but this is a co-operative effort."[53]

One month later, on October 4, Mike Duffy, now a Conservative senator (appointed by Harper), said "It is possible that you could change prime minister without having an election," and that some Conservatives wanted Harper as prime minister. The next day Layton walked out on talks with Harper and Duceppe, accusing them of trying to replace Paul Martin with Harper as prime minister. Both Bloc and Conservative officials denied Layton's accusations.[52]

2006 campaign

In a media scrum during the 2006 winter election campaign.

With a vote scheduled for January 23, 2006 many New Democrats expected Layton to deliver substantially more seats than he did in 2004. They hoped the NDP would hold the balance of power in a new minority parliament, so that they could carry additional leverage in negotiating with the governing party.

Mike Klander, the executive vice-president of the federal Liberals' Ontario wing, resigned after making posts on his blog comparing Chow to a Chow Chow dog and calling her husband an "asshole".[54]

Through the course of the campaign, Layton attempted to cast himself as the sole remaining champion of universal health care. Some opinion polls showed that Canadians found Layton the most appealing and charismatic of the leaders. Layton repeatedly insisted that "Canadians have a third choice", and urged Liberals to "lend us your vote". Some commentators and pundits mocked Mr. Layton for over-using these catchphrases instead of explaining the NDP platform. The rarely aired Jack Talk Conservative ad pasted Layton's mustache on the faces of "ordinary Canadians" to suggest that he did not speak for the average citizen, using phrases like "Raise my taxes" and "I like to pay higher gas prices".

The NDP's strategy had changed in that they were focusing their attacks on the Liberals rather than in 2004 where they criticized both the Liberals and Conservatives in equal measure prompting some criticism from Paul Martin.[55] Andrew Coyne suggested that the NDP not only wanted to disassociate themselves from the scandal-ridden Liberals, but also because the Liberals were likely to receive credit for legislation achieved under the Liberal-NDP partnership. The NDP had also lost close races in the 2004 election due to the Liberals' strategic voting. Early in the campaign, NDP MP Judy Wasylycia-Leis had asked the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) to launch a criminal investigation into the leaking of the income trust announcement[56] The criminal probe seriously damaged the Liberal campaign and preventing them from making their key policy announcements, as well as bringing alleged Liberal corruption back into the spotlight.

Layton's campaign direction also caused a break between him and Canadian Auto Workers union head Buzz Hargrove over the issue of strategic voting. Hargrove preferred a Liberal minority government supported by the NDP and he had earlier criticized Layton for participating in the motion of non-confidence that brought down the Liberal government. Hargrove allied with the Liberals and publicly stated that he "did not like the campaign that Jack Layton was running", criticizing Layton for "spending too much time attacking the Liberals". During the final week of the campaign, Hargrove and Martin urged all progressive voters to unite behind the Liberal banner to stop a Conservative government. Knowing that last-minute strategic voting had cost the NDP seats in several close ridings during the 2004 election,[57] Layton intensified his attacks on the Liberal scandals, pledging to use his minority clout to keep the Conservatives in check. Shortly after the election, the Ontario provincial branch of the NDP revoked Mr. Hargrove's party membership because he had violated the party's constitution by campaigning for other parties during an election campaign, though Layton disagreed with this. Hargrove retaliated by severing ties with the NDP at the annual CAW convention.

The election increasing the NDP's total seats to 29 seats, up from 18 MP before dissolution. Among the new NDP candidates elected was Layton's wife, Olivia Chow, thereby making the two only the second husband and wife team in Canadian Parliament history. (Gurmant Grewal and Nina Grewal were the first husband and wife team in Canadian Parliament after the 2004 federal election).

In the end, the NDP succeeded in increasing their seats to 29, though they had far fewer seats than the Bloc Québécois (51) or the Opposition Liberals (103).

Conservative minority government

Jack Layton giving a speech on the 5th anniversary of his leadership of the NDP.

The NDP had the balance of power in the 39th Parliament. The Speaker votes only in a tie, so that reduces the Liberal caucus by one, enabling the Conservatives to pass legislature with the cooperation of the NDP (125 + 29 = 154 versus 100 + 51 + 2 = 153). The Conservatives were able to pass legislation with either Liberal or Bloc Québécois support.

At the NDP's 22nd Convention, held on September 10, 2006, in Quebec City, Layton received a 92-per-cent approval rating in a leadership vote, tying former Reform Party leader Preston Manning's record for this kind of voting.[58] At the same convention, the NDP passed a motion calling for the return of Canadian Forces from Afghanistan. On September 24, 2006, he met with Afghan president Hamid Karzai to discuss the NDP position. After the meeting Layton stated that Canada's role should be focused on traditional peacekeeping and reconstruction rather than in a front line combat role currently taking place.[59]

Layton and his caucus voted to support the new proposed rules for income trusts introduced by the Conservatives October 31, 2006.[60] The short-term result of the tax policy announcement was a loss to Canadian investors of $20 billion, the largest ever loss attributed to a change in government policy.[61] According to the Canadian Association of Income Trust Investors[62] some 2.5 million Canadian investors were affected by the change in income trust policy.[63]

Layton threatened to move a motion of non-confidence against the government over the "Clean Air Act" unless action was taken to improve the bill and its approach to environmental policy.[64] Prime Minister Harper agreed to put an end to the Parliamentary logjam by sending the bill to a special legislative committee before second reading. He released his proposed changes to the "Clean Air Act" on November 19, 2006.[65]

On June 3, 2008, Layton voted to implement a program which would "allow conscientious objectors…to a war not sanctioned by the United Nations…to…remain in Canada…"[66][67][68] Layton has led the NDP to be instrumental in taking action on the peace issue of Canada and Iraq War Resisters.

On June 11, 2008, Prime Minister Stephen Harper made it known that he had received private counsel from Layton on the matter of Indian residential schools and the apology to former students of the schools. Before delivering the apology, Harper thanked Layton.[69]

2008 Campaign

Broadbent and Jack Layton at a 2008 election rally in Toronto

Layton started off the 2008 federal election campaign with a speech similar to that of US presidential nominee Barack Obama. Layton denied that he was consciously trying to draw comparisons with Obama, saying "I mean, I am a lot shorter than he is. He is a brilliant orator. I'm never going to claim to be that. But what I have noticed is that the key issues faced by the American middle class, the working people of the U.S. and their concerns about their families' futures, are awfully similar to the issues that I hear in Canada." Layton said that he has also written to Obama and Hillary Clinton saying that the North American Free Trade Agreement had hurt working people in both countries "and those stories have to be told."[70]

Layton, along with Prime Minister Harper and Bloc Québécois leader Gilles Duceppe, initially opposed the inclusion of Green Party leader Elizabeth May in the leaders' televised debates.[71][72] Layton initially said that he was following the rules of the broadcast consortium, while NDP spokesman Brad Lavigne confirmed that Layton had refused to attend if May was present, noting that May had endorsed Liberal leader Stéphane Dion for prime minister, and arguing that her inclusion would in effect give the Liberals two representatives at the debate.[73] Rod Love, former chief of staff to Ralph Klein, has suggested that the Greens could potentially cut into the NDP's support.[74] Layton's stance drew criticism from the YWCA,[75] Judy Rebick, and members of his own party.[76] Layton dropped his opposition to May's inclusion on September 10, 2008. "This whole issue of debating about the debate has become a distraction to the real debate that needs to happen," Layton said. "I have only one condition for this debate and that is that the prime minister is there."[77]

When two NDP candidates withdrew due to marijuana use, Layton said their departures were voluntary and that no deal was made with the Marijuana Party. Marijuana promoter Marc Emery said that he raised thousands of dollars for the NDP and signed up new members in exchange for Layton supporting the cause of legalization.[78]

In October 2008, Layton posted an online video message speaking out in favor of net neutrality, torrent sites, video-sharing sites, and social-networking sites.[79] In a separate interview he said that increasing corporate control "is very, very dangerous and we have put the whole issue of net neutrality right into the heart of our campaign platform," and that the Internet is "a public tool for exchanging ideas and I particularly want to say that if we don’t fight to preserve it, we could lose it."[80]

In the end, the NDP gained 8 new seats, taking its tally to 37. This result still leaves the NDP as Canada's fourth party, behind the Bloc Québécois with 50. Notably, in a year where Quebec was especially hotly-contested, the NDP managed to retain Outremont, held by Thomas Mulcair, its only seat in the province.

Second Conservative minority government

Main article: 2008–2009 Canadian parliamentary dispute
Layton, at the NDP transit announcement, September 2008

The 40th session of parliament began on November 27, 2008, with a fiscal update by the Conservatives that outlined their agenda for the upcoming term. This included a temporary suspension of Federal employees' right to strike and a removal of monetary subsidies for political parties.[81] All three opposition parties including the NDP stated that they could not support this position. Layton along with Liberal leader Stéphane Dion and Bloc Québécois leader Gilles Duceppe began negotiations to form a coalition that would replace the Conservatives as the government. The three opposition parties planned to table a motion of non-confidence in the House of Commons, and counted on the possibility that the Governor General, Michaëlle Jean, would invite the coalition to govern instead of dissolving Parliament after the last election. It has often been suggested that had Layton planned the coalition prior to the fiscal update and then persuaded Dion to sign on.[82][83]

On December 1, 2008, the three opposition leaders signed an accord that laid down the basis for an agreement on a coalition government. The proposed structure would be a coalition between the Liberals and the NDP, with the New Democrats getting six Cabinet positions. Both parties agreed to continue the coalition until June 30, 2011. The Bloc Québécois would not be formally part of the government but would provide support on confidence motions for 18 months.[84]

Opposition to the proposed coalition developed in all provinces except Quebec.[85] On December 4, 2008, the Governor General granted Prime Minister Harper's request to suspend Parliament until January 26, 2009, at which time Harper had planned to introduce the budget. Dion had since been ousted from the leadership of the Liberals and his successor, Michael Ignatieff, had distanced himself from the coalition.

Layton remained committed to ousting the Harper government,[86][87] pledging that the NDP would vote against the Conservative budget regardless of what it contained.[88] Layton urged Ignatieff's Liberals to topple to Conservatives before the shelf life of the coalition expired; constitutional experts said that four months after the last election, if the government fell, the Governor General would likely grant the Prime Minister's request to dissolve parliament instead of inviting the coalition.[89] On January 28, 2009, the Liberals agreed to support the Conservative budget with an amendment, ending the possibility of the coalition, so Layton said "Today we have learned that you can't trust Mr. Ignatieff to oppose Mr. Harper. If you oppose Mr. Harper and you want a new government, I urge you to support the NDP."[90]

In March, 2009, the NDP, under Layton's leadership, re-introduced a motion (first passed June 3, 2008) which, if implemented, would allow conscientious objectors to the Iraq War to remain in Canada. The motion again passed March 30, 2009, by 129-125, but it was non-binding.[91][92] In a leadership review vote held at the NDP's August 2009 federal policy convention, 89.25% of delegates voted against holding a leadership convention to replace Layton.[93] In October 2009, Layton is pairing up with the Stephen Lewis Foundation to raise money for HIV/AIDS affected families in Africa. As part of the foundation's A Dare to Remember campaign, Layton busked on a busy street corner.[94]

On February 5, 2010, Layton announced that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer, noting that his father Robert Layton had suffered from the same type of cancer 17 years before and recovered from it. His wife, Olivia Chow has also battled thyroid cancer a few years before, and is now doing better. He has vowed to beat the cancer and that it will not interrupt his duties as member of Parliament or as leader of the NDP.[95]

His son Mike Layton was elected to Toronto City Council in the 2010 city council election.[96]

The Conservative government was defeated in a no-confidence vote on March 25, 2011, with the motion gaining full support of all opposition parties including the New Democrats, after the government was found in contempt of parliament.[97] This was the first occurrence in Commonwealth history of a government in the Westminster parliamentary tradition losing the confidence of the House of Commons on the grounds of contempt of Parliament. The no-confidence motion was carried with a vote of 156 in favor of the motion, and 145 against,[98] thus resulting in dissolution of Parliament and a federal election.

2011 campaign

Campaigning in Quebec City.

The day after the successful passing of the motion, Layton started the NDP election campaign, first with a speech in Ottawa followed later in the day by an event in Edmonton, Alberta.[99] Questions about Layton's health due to his cancer and a recent hip surgery have often been directed to him during the campaign, with Layton insisting that he is healthy enough to lead.[100][101] On March 29, 2011 the New Democrats presented their first real campaign promise, a proposal to cap credit card rates in order to reduce credit card debt.[102] Unlike the previous election, Layton stated he was in favour of Green Party leader Elizabeth May speaking at the leaders debates, despite the fact that she was once again being discouraged by the Canadian media networks.[103] The NDP also embarked upon the largest advertising campaign in its history, focusing on the Government's health care record.[104] He also dedicated the federal election campaign to former Saskatchewan Premier Allan Blakeney, who passed away about halfway through the campaign.[105]

Selected works

  • Homelessness: The Making and Unmaking of a Crisis ISBN 0-14-028888-0
  • Speaking Out: Ideas that Work For Canadians ISBN 1-55263-577-5
  • Speaking Out Louder: Ideas that Work For Canadians ISBN 1-55263-688-7 (revised and expanded edition of Speaking Out)

References

  1. ^ City of Toronto. "Former City Councillor Jack Layton". Retrieved 2011-03-24.
  2. ^ Campion-Smith, Bruce. "Good for Canada, Layton declares; Commons backs 'first NDP budget'." Toronto Star. Toronto, Ont.: May 20, 2005. pg. A.06
  3. ^ Wallace, James. "Man of the people: Jack Layton is a pragmatist waiting to be given a chance." Sudbury Star. Jan 9, 2006. pg. A.8
  4. ^ Taber, Jane. "Outside House, Layton learns pecking order" The Globe and Mail. Feb 1, 2003. pg. A.5
  5. ^ Geddes, John. "Jack Layton." Maclean's. December 5, 2005
  6. ^ Parlement Jeunesse du Québec
  7. ^ "Grading the candidates: What are the educational qualifications of the candidates for mayor of Toronto?" Toronto Star. Sep 29, 1991. pg. A.3
  8. ^ "Behind the Scenes: A Look at the Party Leaders' Family Trees." The Globe and Mail. Dec 21, 2005. pg. A.7
  9. ^ Hayes, David R. "A new star rising over left field." The Globe and Mail. Jan 8, 1983. pg. F.3
  10. ^ MacLeod, Robert. "Layton urges SkyDome inquiry." The Globe and Mail. Sep 12, 1991. pg. A.11
  11. ^ Monsebraaten, Laurie. "Alderman proposes $2.1 million AIDS team." Toronto Star. May 6, 1987. pg. A.6
  12. ^ Spears, Tom. "Alderman wins appeal for handing out leaflets at Eaton's during strike." Toronto Star. May 27, 1986. pg. A.18
  13. ^ James, Royson. "Failure pinned on Jack Layton, poverty group." Toronto Star. Sep 19, 1990. pg. A.3
  14. ^ Smith, Michael. "Toronto Aldermen gearing up for first direct Metro election." Toronto Star. Jul 16, 1985. pg. A.6
  15. ^ "Layton proved right." The Globe and Mail.Nov 13, 1985. pg. A.17
  16. ^ Monsebraaten, Laurie. "Reformers on council seek Toronto's 'rebirth.'" Toronto Star. Nov 19, 1988. pg. D.1
  17. ^ Spears, Tom. "Busy trustee keeps to a hectic schedule." Toronto Star. Jul 10, 1988. pg. A.10
  18. ^ http://www.postcity.com/Post-City-Magazines/May-2010/The-biggest-fight-of-their-marriage/
  19. ^ "Layton Sues for Bike Mishap that 'Ruined' his Honeymoon." Toronto Star. Jul 5, 1988. pg. A.7
  20. ^ Kerr, Tom. "Well-to-do Layton lives in 'affordable co-op'". Toronto Star. Jun. 14, 1990. pg. A1.
  21. ^ Kerr, Tom. "Co-op residents answer critics". Toronto Star. Jul. 19, 1990. pg. A21
  22. ^ Polanyi, Margaret. "Layton cleared of wrongdoing Police say councillor committed no impropriety by living in co-op." The Globe and Mail. Aug 17, 1990. pg. A.8
  23. ^ Duffy, Andrew. "Layton says he's moving from co-op." Toronto Star. Jun 24, 1990. pg. A.3
  24. ^ Wolfe, Morris. "Sensational tabloids are enticing a suspicious public." The Globe and Mail. Feb 4, 1992. pg. D.1.
  25. ^ Byers, Jim. "Jack Layton's trim new look triggers rumor mill at city hall." Toronto Star. Feb 5, 1987. pg. A.6
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  27. ^ Kerr, Tom. "Eggleton out of race for mayor." Toronto Star.May 2, 1991. pg. A.1
  28. ^ Byers, Jim. "Rowlands leads by 2-1 margin But 55% want more choice for mayor, Star poll shows" Toronto Star Nov 9, 1991. pg. A.1
  29. ^ MacLeod, Robert. "Rae's misfortunes called drag on Layton Toronto mayoral candidate running under NDP banner." The Globe and Mail. Jun 15, 1991. pg. A.7
  30. ^ Byers, Jim. "Guide to the real winners, losers Apparent victories are defeats in topsy-turvy world of politics." Toronto Star. Nov 15, 1991. pg. A.12
  31. ^ Byers, Jim. "Rowlands just ahead of Layton, Star poll finds." Toronto Star. Oct 10, 1991. pg. A.1
  32. ^ Byers, Jim. "Layton beaten by Rowlands in all but one of 16 wards." Toronto Star. Nov 21, 1991. pg. A.7
  33. ^ Lakey, Jack. "The mellowing of Jack Layton." Toronto Star. Jan 4, 1999. pg. 1
  34. ^ "Layton launches bid to lead NDP: Outspoken T.O. city councillor." The Province. Jul 23, 2002. pg. A.22
  35. ^ Brian McAndrew (July 1, 1999). "Hydro backs waterfront windmill plan". Toronto Star.
  36. ^ Haight, Lana. "Layton surprises locals: Supporters 'blown away' by win over Blaikie, Nystrom; Lana Haight." Star - Phoenix. Jan 27, 2003. pg. A.1.
  37. ^ "Broadbent backs Toronto city councillor as NDP chief." Times - Colonist. Nov 28, 2002. pg. A.7
  38. ^ Paraskevas, Joe. "NDP leader goes after Grits on Day One." Sudbury Star. Jan 28, 2003. pg. A.8
  39. ^ Goar, Carol. "He makes it look too effortless." Toronto Star. Nov 5, 2003. pg. A.26
  40. ^ Curry, Bill. "NDP's Layton accused of hogging the microphones." National Post. Feb 25, 2003. pg. A.11
  41. ^ Chung, Andrew. "Quebec a difficult hill for NDP to climb." Toronto Star. Apr 26, 2003. pg. E.02
  42. ^ Curry, Bill. "NDP counting on Ducasse: Popular quebecer to run in manicouagan" The Gazette. Jan 5, 2004. pg. A.10
  43. ^ Lunman, Kim. "NDP inching past conservatives, poll indicates." The Globe and Mail. Dec 5, 2003. pg. A.4
  44. ^ Canton, Maria. "NDP official opposition possible, predicts prof." Calgary Herald.Nov 16, 2003. pg. A.8.
  45. ^ Aubry, Jack. "Layton's line starts a storm." Times - Colonist. May 28, 2004. pg. A.4
  46. ^ Murphy, Barbara. On the street: how we created the homeless. Winnipeg: J. Gordon Shillingford, c2000.
  47. ^ Coyne, Andrew. "Layton's charge is out of order." National Post. May 29, 2004. pg. A.22
  48. ^ Curry, Bill. "Layton drops from radar during Week 2." Star - Phoenix. Jun 5, 2004. pg. A.13
  49. ^ Chase, Steven. "Layton would axe Clarity Act" The Globe and Mail. May 29, 2004. pg. A.1
  50. ^ Layton reverses course on Clarity Act CTV News. Dec. 7, 2005.
  51. ^ Payton, Laura (March 26, 2011). "Harper wanted 2004 coalition: Duceppe". CBC News. Retrieved March 26, 2011.
  52. ^ a b c d "Harper, Layton, Duceppe sought 'co-opposition' in 2004 letter to GG". Montreal Gazette. 2011-03-27.
  53. ^ a b Chung, Andrew (March 26, 2011). "Bloc leader accuses Harper of lying about coalition". Toronto Star. Retrieved March 27, 2011.
  54. ^ Liberal exec quits over his blog remarks about NDPers CBC.ca. Dec. 27, 2005.
  55. ^ Martin attacks Layton for not attacking Harper CBC.ca. Jan. 17, 2006.
  56. ^ Income trust a major campaign turning point CTV News. Jan. 22, 2006.
  57. ^ "Dead link". Toronto: Thestar.com. Retrieved 2010-06-05.
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  59. ^ "Karzai, Layton find common ground CBC.ca. Sept. 24, 2006". Cbc.ca. 2006-09-24. Retrieved 2010-06-05.
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  61. ^ "Flaherty received death threats". Global National TV. Feb. 1, 2007.
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  63. ^ Income Trusts: Just Another Special Interest Group? Fullard, Brent. Canadian Association of Income Trust Investors. Jan. 5, 2007.
  64. ^ NDP threaten confidence vote over environmental measures De Souza, Mike. CanWest News Service. Oct. 31, 2006.
  65. ^ Layton wants Tories to commit to Kyoto target CTV News. Nov. 19, 2006
  66. ^ Smith, Joanna (2008-06-03). "MPs vote to give asylum to U.S. military deserters". The Toronto Star. Retrieved 2008-07-19.
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