THE LIFE AND DEATH OF Introduction

Canadians were shocked and saddened of people, most of whom never knew Focus to learn of the death of federal New Layton personally, lined up for hours This News in Review story focuses on Democratic Party (NDP) leader Jack to pay their respects. Outside City Hall, the death of Jack Layton in the early hours of August 22, many left personal tributes to “Jack,” Layton, its impact on 2011. Layton had been battling cancer written on the walls and pavements in , and what for some time and had announced that he chalk. Layton’s state funeral—held in it means for the future was temporarily stepping down as party ’s Roy Thomson Hall on August of his party and the leader at the end of July. 27—attracted dignitaries and political country. The Guide But few expected that the end would leaders of all stripes, along with many also explores the author’s relationship come so quickly for him. others who had queued overnight to with Jack Layton and During the federal election campaign gain admission. Prime Minister Stephen Olivia Chow. of 2011, Layton galvanized his party and Harper authorized the holding of a state attracted unprecedented support from funeral—the first for a federal opposition voters across the country—especially leader since Sir ’s funeral in , where the NDP swept the in 1919. province. He appeared full of life and The public outpouring of grief over enthusiasm as he waved to enthusiastic Layton’s death was unlike anything crowds of supporters. But only a few that had occurred in in recent months later, Layton announced he years. The only parallel to it was the would be stepping down as leader to death of former prime minister Pierre battle a new bout of cancer. Trudeau in 2000. But unlike Trudeau, Always known as an optimist and a Layton was still actively involved in fighter, Layton vowed that he would beat politics—and indeed appeared poised the cancer and resume his post as NDP on the brink of a historic breakthrough leader when Parliament opened in the for his party following his remarkable fall of 2011. But it was not to be. Both success at the polls on May 2. Now his party, and many Canadians who may that he was gone, the NDP faced the not have voted for him, mourned his loss daunting task of selecting a new leader in a spontaneous demonstration of grief who would be able to build on his and admiration. considerable achievements and establish In the days following his death, the party’s credibility to Canadians as Layton’s body lay in state in the an alternative “government-in-waiting” House of Commons in and in to Prime Minister ’s Toronto’s City Hall, where he had once Conservatives. served as a city councillor. Thousands

To Consider 1. a) Do you remember when you heard about the death of federal NDP leader Jack Layton? Was it on the news? Or were family members talking about it? b) What was your reaction to the news? 2. Why do you think so many Canadians were touched by this event, whether or not they were NDP supporters? 3. What challenges might the NDP face in selecting a new leader to replace Jack Layton?

CBC News in Review • October 2011 • Page 6 THE LIFE AND DEATH OF JACK LAYTON Video Review Pre-viewing Questions With a partner or in a small group discuss and respond to the following questions. 1. How much do you know about federal NDP leader Jack Layton, who passed away on August 22, 2011?

2. Why do you think there was such an outpouring of grief and admiration for this political leader in the week after his death?

3. What political breakthrough had Jack Layton been able to achieve for the NDP just months before his death?

Viewing Questions As you watch the video, respond to the questions in the spaces provided. 1. Why did Jack Layton and the NDP have a lot to celebrate on the night of May 2, 2011?

2. What shadow had been hanging over Jack Layton since early 2010?

3. Why were people shocked by Layton’s appearance at a press conference in late July 2011?

4. What announcement did Layton make at the press conference?

5. Who took over from Layton as the of the NDP?

CBC News in Review • October 2011 • Page 7 6. Besides prostate cancer, what other health problem had Layton been facing?

7. What political figures paid tribute to Layton following his death on August 22, 2011?

8. Where did Layton’s body lie in state before his funeral?

9. How did many young people pay their tributes to Layton outside ?

10. Why was Layton’s state funeral a celebration as well as a sad occasion?

11. What important event for the NDP and Canadian politics will occur on March 24, 2012?

Post-viewing Questions 1. Now that you have watched the video, revisit your responses to the Pre-viewing Questions. a) How has watching the video helped you to respond to the questions in greater depth?

b) Did you have to add or change any information?

2. Why do you think Layton was able to make such a major breakthrough for the NDP in the election of May 2, 2011?

3. Do you think it will be difficult for the NDP to find a new leader who can fill the shoes of Jack Layton? Why/why not?

CBC News in Review • October 2011 • Page 8 THE LIFE AND DEATH OF JACK LAYTON Jack Layton: A Personal Tribute

As a member of the writing team for a weekly collection of old newspapers CBC News in Review I am used to from each floor for recycling. These covering stories on a variety of topics activities were sometimes followed from the third person—or as an outside by a beer at my place once the job observer. But this story is unique for was done. When I suffered a serious me as a writer, because Jack Layton bicycle accident in the summer of happened to be a friend of mine. Because 1987, leaving me with casts on both of this fact, portions of this guide— arms, Jack, Olivia, and Olivia’s mother including this section—are written in the were a tremendous help to me and first person. demonstrated a real spirit of caring that I will always remember fondly. The A Difficult Time home-cooked Chinese dinners Olivia’s At 5:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 27, mother prepared—and which we all 2011, I joined a fast-growing line shared—were a high point in my day at outside Toronto’s Roy Thomson Hall. the time. Many hundreds of people were already I was delighted to attend Jack standing ahead of me in that chilly pre- and Olivia’s wedding the following dawn hour, and we were all there for one summer, and I have rarely seen reason: to gain admission to the state two people who appeared to be so funeral of Jack Layton. I do not usually completely “in sync” with each other, choose to stand in line, but this was a both personally and politically. With special occasion for me, because I had Jack and Olivia, it was sometimes hard known Jack and his wife, Olivia Chow, to tell where one left off and the other for many years as a neighbour, friend, began, such was their total commitment and political supporter. Although I was to public life and their incredible aware that he was very ill with cancer, dedication to it, and to each other. his death came as a shock to me. And I felt I had to be there in person to say Moving Out of the Co-op my own farewell to this outstanding By the early 90s, I had moved from the political leader who had also once been co-op, as had Jack and Olivia. Their my friend. move had followed a particularly nasty scandal arising from allegations that The Beginnings of a Friendship they had not been paying their share of My acquaintance with Jack and Olivia the monthly co-op occupancy cost. I began in the mid-1980s when we were knew that they had indeed been paying neighbours in the Hazelburn Co-op in a supplemental fee levied on higher- downtown Toronto. Jack was a city income residents such as myself, and I councillor, and Olivia a school trustee. was angry to see how media and political Like me, Jack was sharing custody of his forces hostile to Jack and Olivia could two children with his ex-wife, and his manipulate the facts so brazenly. children were almost exactly the same My contacts with them became fewer age as my own. We soon became friends, at that time, and were mainly confined as did our kids. to political events such as the annual Jack and I participated in a number lunar New Year dinners they hosted of voluntary co-op activities, such as in a downtown Chinese restaurant.

CBC News in Review • October 2011 • Page 9 There Jack displayed his remarkable to contest what was clearly a “no-win” talents as an auctioneer, raffling off a suburban Toronto riding for the NDP. number of items to raise funds for the Despite the fact that I knew from the NDP during the lengthy intermissions outset that I stood no chance of being between the many courses of the elected, the experience was a high meal. On one of these evenings, in point in my life. Like other Toronto- the final months of ’s ill- area candidates, I had the opportunity fated NDP provincial government, I to pose for a picture with Jack for my recall mentioning to Jack in a private campaign literature. On that occasion conversation that maybe it was time to he displayed his usual irrepressible think about forming a “new” NDP. I optimism, asking me, “Have you given could not have realized then that only a any thought to what you might do if few years later he would almost single- you won?” To this I replied, “Jack, if handedly rejuvenate the party and I won you would be prime minister of eventually lead it to heights that were Canada. Have you given any thought inconceivable at that very low point in to that?” We shared a knowing laugh its fortunes. together, and it was clear to me that he was able to distinguish between An Incredible Personality wishful thinking and hard political Jack was the kind of person who almost reality. And of course neither of us always appeared upbeat, confident, knew that just a few elections later he and sure of himself and his beliefs. To would come close to living that reality. some, his manner appeared to border on cockiness, or even arrogance, and it The Funeral grated. I did not regard him that way, Jack’s funeral was an incredibly moving but I always knew that he was first and experience for me and the thousands of foremost a “political animal” in every others who were in attendance. Watching sense of that term, and that there was Olivia and the other members of Jack’s indeed an element of calculation in family follow his flag-draped casket the things he did and sometimes in his into the hall was almost too much to relationships with others. But over the bear. The music was inspiring, as were years, I also noticed a distinct mellowing the eulogies and tributes, and I was not in Jack, and a willingness to admit that surprised to learn that Jack had played a he sometimes made mistakes. This was key role in orchestrating the whole event. clearly demonstrated during what was But I suppose the most touching moment to be his last election campaign in 2011, in the entire ceremony for me occurred when the CBC’s Peter Mansbridge asked during Stephen Lewis’s remarkably him to identify his single biggest political eloquent address, in which he urged regret. Jack did not hesitate to admit that those in attendance to remember Jack’s he still felt badly about an unfortunate political commitment to the cause of remark he had made in the heat of the and equality for all moment in the 2004 election, when he Canadians. accused then Liberal prime minister Paul At the end of his speech, Lewis Martin of being personally responsible quoted the Indian author and political for the plight of homeless people. activist Arundathi Roy, who once wrote I became reconnected with Jack and that “a new world is not only possible, Olivia on a political basis during the she is already on her way. On a quiet 2004 campaign, when I was nominated day, I can hear her breathing.” On

CBC News in Review • October 2011 • Page 10 Election Day 2004, I had e-mailed that the example of this fine man’s life very same quote to Jack as a morale- and dedication to these causes may booster and as my way of thanking inspire the next generation to continue him for the opportunity to have stood to work for them in the years to come. with him and the NDP during the As Jack himself said at the end of his campaign, whatever its outcome might remarkable letter to Canadians, written be. Despite the unbelievable pressures shortly before he died, “love is better he must have been under as a federal than anger. Hope is better than fear. party leader on the last day of an Optimism is better than despair. So let election, he found the time to reply to us be loving, hopeful, and optimistic. me personally a few hours later, letting And we’ll change the world” (“Jack me know he appreciated receiving Layton’s last letter to Canadians,” my message and how much the quote CBC News, www.cbc.ca/news/politics/ meant to him. story/2011/08/22/pol-layton-last-letter. Like Jack, I too like to think that html). maybe a “new world” of greater social Jack, it was an honour to have known and economic justice and inclusiveness you. Goodbye, my friend. I will never for all might be possible, if not forget you and what you stood for. “already on its way.” And I hope that Follow-up 1. Reflect on the information you read in this feature. The writer provides information about Jack Layton’s personality and who he was as a person, not just who he was as a politician. Does this personal information enhance your knowledge and appreciation of Layton as a political figure? Or does the personality of politicians not matter so much?

2. From reading this section, what qualities do you think Jack Layton possessed that inspired so many Canadians, including the writer?

3. a) Why do you think so many young Canadians responded to Jack Layton’s death with such admiration and respect?

b) Do you think it will influence their political attitudes and behaviour in the future? Why or why not?

CBC News in Review • October 2011 • Page 11 THE LIFE AND DEATH OF JACK LAYTON The Man and His Life

Focus for Reading Jack Layton’s life was full of political commitment to various causes from his early days as a university activist in Montreal in the 1960s until his death as the Leader of the Official Opposition in 2011. In your notebook, create an organizer like the one below. As you read the summary of some of the main events in the political and personal life of Jack Layton, record key points in your organizer. You should be able to enter at least four or five points in each section of your chart. You will be using this information in the activities that follow the text material.

Growing up in Quebec • Jack Layton grew up in a predominantly English-speaking suburb of Montreal • his father and grandfather were both involved in politics • he studied political science under Charles Taylor at Montreal’s McGill University A Career in Municipal Politics

Rise to NDP Leadership

Growing up in Quebec University, where he fell under Jack Layton was born in Montreal the influence of Charles Taylor, an on July 18, 1950. He grew up in the internationally renowned political predominantly English-speaking theorist and one-time NDP candidate suburb of Hudson. He came from a who ran unsuccessfully against Pierre family steeped in politics over many Trudeau. Although McGill was an generations. His father, Robert, served as English-speaking university at the a cabinet minister in ’s time, Layton and other radical students Conservative government during the led a movement to promote the use of 1980s, while his grandfather, Gilbert, French on campus. was a member of Quebec Premier It was the era of the “Quiet Maurice Duplessis’s Union Nationale Revolution” in Quebec, and Layton administration in the 1930s. Jack carried sympathized with the demands of on his family’s political tradition in high Québécois for greater language school, where he was elected student rights, if not separation from Canada. council president. In October 1970 the government His first foray into political activism of imposed the War was his unsuccessful attempt to Measures Act in response to the persuade the local town council violent activities of the Front de to build a youth centre in Hudson. libération du Québec (FLQ). This But from this experience he learned was a watershed moment for Layton. valuable lessons about grassroots Federal NDP leader T.C. “Tommy” political mobilization to promote Douglas led a spirited opposition to causes that were important to him. this measure, which he believed to Layton studied political science be a heavy-handed overreaction that at Montreal’s prestigious McGill trampled on Canadians’ democratic

CBC News in Review • October 2011 • Page 12 rights. Although most Canadians of the 1980s. In 1984 he was arrested supported the government’s actions at at the Eaton Centre while handing out the time, Layton was not one of them, leaflets in support of striking workers and he joined the NDP as a gesture of there, but the charges were later admiration for Douglas’s stance on this dismissed. issue. In 1988, Jack and Sally Layton divorced, and he married Toronto A Career in Municipal Politics school trustee Olivia Chow, who After graduating from McGill, Layton would later become a city councillor and his wife, Sally, moved to Toronto, and federal member of Parliament. where Layton pursued a master’s degree Chow introduced Layton to the city’s in political science at York University. In influential Chinese community, and he 1974, he became a professor at Ryerson eventually learned to speak passable Polytechnical Institute in downtown Mandarin and . Because Toronto and began his involvement in of their strong commitment to local local politics. Layton was interested in issues, and their ability to attract issues such as affordable housing, urban media attention, the couple became poverty, the environment, and public the “poster children” of the downtown transit. He soon found a forum to pursue Toronto left-wing community. his pet causes at the municipal level of In 1991, Layton ran for the position government. of . By this time he Encouraged by former Toronto was widely recognized as the leader mayors David Crombie and John of the left-wing bloc on City Council, Sewell, in 1982 Layton ran for a and his chances of winning initially seat on city council against Gordon appeared good. But his opposition Chong, a popular incumbent in a to the city’s bid to host the 1996 predominantly Chinese-speaking part Olympic Games, along with the of the city. To the surprise of most decline in support for the provincial observers, Layton won. At this time, NDP government of Bob Rae, hurt the Laytons had two children, Sarah, his popularity. When two of his right- born in 1977, and Mike, born in 1980. wing opponents dropped out of the Both of them would later follow race, throwing their support behind their father’s footsteps into politics, councillor June Rowlands—his main with Sarah working for the Stephen rival—Layton’s bid for mayor hit an Lewis Foundation—which focuses insurmountable roadblock, and he on the issue of AIDS in Africa—and suffered his first electoral defeat. Mike winning his father’s old seat on A second followed in the federal in 2010. election of 1993, when he ran At City Hall, Layton quickly unsuccessfully for the NDP in the became a leading member of a left- Toronto riding of Rosedale. But he was leaning bloc of local councillors. He able to win re-election to city council never shied away from taking radical in 1994 and resumed his involvement and sometimes unpopular positions in local issues, this time with a special on issues such as the building of focus on the environment. Layton SkyDome—now the Rogers Centre— became a fixture on streets in the city’s which he opposed. He argued for the downtown core, where he and Chow need for greater municipal action to were frequently spotted riding their combat the spreading AIDS epidemic bicycles along specially designated

CBC News in Review • October 2011 • Page 13 bike lanes that he had pressured the ’s beleaguered Liberal Did you know . . . council to create. minority government in return for a Jack Layton was given the nickname commitment to more money on social “the energizer Rise to NDP Leadership programs. bunny” because of Layton ran again for federal office in After the 2008 election, Layton his enthusiasm and the election of 1997 but lost to Liberal negotiated a possible three-party frequent personal Dennis Mills in the riding of Danforth. coalition with Liberal leader Stephan appearances But his profile as a municipal politician Dion and Bloc Québécois chief Gilles throughout the spring Duceppe to drive Stephen Harper’s 2011 federal election continued to grow when he became the campaign. president of the Canadian Federation of Conservatives from power, a move Municipalities in 2000 and earned the that did not succeed. However he respect of mayors across the country for never hesitated to place his political his informed approach to local issues principles ahead of popularity, as when and his ability to build consensus among he publicly called for negotiations with officials of different political stripes. the Taliban in Afghanistan in order to In 2003, he made the bold decision end the bloodshed there. This position to contest the federal NDP leadership earned him ridicule at the time, but was following the resignation of Alexa later adopted by coalition forces. McDonough. At this time, the party In 2010, Layton was diagnosed was at a low point in support across with prostate cancer, the same disease Canada, and Layton did not even his father had battled and eventually have a seat in Parliament, having succumbed to years before. With his failed twice to win one. The NDP was usual determination, he announced that looking for a new leader that could he would fight the disease and continue bring much-needed energy to the to lead the NDP as the party faced party, especially among young voters yet another federal election campaign who had become disenchanted with it. in the spring of 2011. Weakened by Layton took on the task with his usual the effects of a hip operation, Layton enthusiasm and confidence and won used a walking cane throughout the race. In 2004, he led the NDP in the the campaign. His performance first of four federal election campaigns in the leaders’ debate won praise he was to contest, winning a modest 19 across the country, but especially in seats. But he was able to improve these Quebec, where voters were becoming results in subsequent elections, winning disenchanted with the pro-sovereigntist 26 seats in 2006 and 37 in 2008. Bloc Québécois and more receptive to The years of Jack Layton’s the NDP and its popular leader, “le bon leadership of the federal NDP were Jack.” marked by a succession of minority As the party surged in the polls in governments, led first by Paul Martin’s the final days of the campaign, some Liberals and then by Stephen Harper’s pundits even speculated on an NDP Conservatives. As the head of the minority government. On election fourth party in Parliament, behind night, Jack Layton and the NDP won a the Bloc Québécois, Layton learned record 103 seats, 59 of them in Quebec, to use his influence to pressure the replacing the Liberals as the Official government to introduce policies Opposition to Stephen Harper’s now- favourable to the NDP, which he majority Conservative government. believed would also benefit Canadians. It was truly a remarkable victory for For example, in 2005, he supported a party that had previously been a

CBC News in Review • October 2011 • Page 14 perennial also-ran in federal election reed-like voice. —a races, failing even to come close to rookie MP and former union leader second place. Layton had succeeded from Quebec—replaced him as interim where even renowned former NDP leader. Although he promised his party leaders such as , David and Canadians that he would be back Lewis, and had not. on the job in the fall when Parliament But his resounding success at the resumed, his returning cancer had polls, which opened up political other plans for him. Surrounded by opportunities the NDP had previously wife Olivia, children Sarah and Mike, only dreamed of, was to be Jack and granddaughter Beatrice, Jack Layton’s last hurrah. After a short Layton peacefully passed away in his parliamentary session in the late spring, downtown Toronto home in the early Layton disappeared from the public hours of Monday, August 22, 2011. arena until July 26, when he called Source: “Jack Layton: A timeline of his a press conference to announce that accomplishments,” CBC News, www. he was temporarily stepping down as cbc.ca/news/canada/story/2011/08/22/f- leader for health reasons. Reporters on jack-layton-timeline.html; “Obituary: the scene and viewers who later saw Jack Layton’s legacy as a fighter,” him on television were shocked by CBC News, www.cbc.ca/news/politics/ his gaunt, frail appearance and weak, story/2011/08/22/pol-layton-death.html Follow-up 1. Compare the information in your summary chart with that of a classmate. Help each other to complete any missing information.

2. What factors in Jack Layton’s early life do you think were influential in shaping him as a politician?

3. How successful was Jack Layton as leader of the federal NDP? Could it be said that Layton died just at the moment of his greatest political achievement?

CBC News in Review • October 2011 • Page 15 THE LIFE AND DEATH OF JACK LAYTON What Next for the NDP and Canadian Politics? Focus for Reading Each section below begins with a question. As you read, record your responses to each question.

The untimely death of NDP leader Jack Saganash, an aboriginal activist from the Layton at the height of his political northern part of that province. success has left a gaping void in the However, others were soon expected to federal political scene. Prime Minister throw their hats into the ring, including Stephen Harper’s Conservatives are now NDP deputy leader and Quebec MP a majority government, and the once- Thomas Mulcair, who had orchestrated mighty Liberals have been reduced to the party’s stunning breakthrough in that third-party status under their interim province; MP and former leader, Bob Rae. The NDP is the Official provincial NDP leader Robert Chisholm; Opposition, but now finds itself under Toronto-area MP Peggy Nash; Ottawa the direction of an interim leader, rookie MP ; and BC MPs Libby Quebec MP Nycole Turmel—whose Davis, , and . first days on the job appeared shaky and In addition, other names that were being uncertain after it was revealed that she suggested included former Manitoba had once been a member of the pro- premier and now Canadian Ambassador sovereigntist Bloc Québécois. It will be to the United States Gary Doer, and even a real challenge for the party to fill the interim Liberal leader Bob Rae. Jack huge shoes Jack Layton has left behind. Layton’s widow, Olivia Chow, who holds Here are three questions arising a Toronto seat in Parliament, was quick from Layton’s death and its impact on to dismiss any speculation that she might Canadian politics in the years to come: seek her late husband’s position. At this early point in the race, it was 1. Who will be the next NDP leader? difficult to envision which of these In Jack Layton’s farewell letter to potential candidates might emerge Canadians, written shortly before his victorious. All of them were regarded death, he recommended that the party as possessing considerable strengths but unite behind interim leader Nycole also major weaknesses. Turmel and that a leadership convention For their part, NDP officials had be held as soon as possible in 2012. As imposed strict regulations on how the of September 2011, plans were already leadership race was to be conducted. in the works to convene such a meeting Each candidate would have to pay a $15 in Toronto in March 2012. Media 000 nomination fee to the party, and speculation about potential leadership his or her campaign expenses would be candidates was quick to develop in the capped at $500 000. Any candidate who weeks following Layton’s death, but held a position within the NDP federal as of late September 2011, only two caucus that might give him or her undue people had officially announced their media attention, such as Mulcair’s role candidacies. They were , as deputy party leader, would have to the former president of the party and step down from that post for the duration an influential back-room organizer; of the campaign. and newly elected Quebec MP Romeo

CBC News in Review • October 2011 • Page 16 2. Is a Liberal-NDP merger likely? the argument goes, if the forces of the Some Canadians who oppose the right- right can unite, then why not those of wing direction of the current Stephen the left? This would result in basically Harper government believe it would be a two-party system for Canada, similar logical for the forces of the centre-left to that of the United States, where the in the country—the Liberals and the Democrats occupy the centre-left of the NDP—to unite to form a single party. political spectrum and the Republicans Another alternative might be some the right. kind of electoral alliance, whereby the parties would remain separate, but 3. How effective will the NDP be as agree not to run candidates against each the Official Opposition? other in order to ensure the defeat of For the first time in its history, the Conservative MPs in the next election. NDP finds itself in the role of Official Shortly after the 2011 vote, there were Opposition. It has 103 MPs, many of some in both parties calling for such a them young people from Quebec elected move. for the first time. In order for the party But Bob Rae, himself a former NDP to be successful in establishing its premier, and now the interim credibility in the minds of Canadians the leader of the federal Liberal Party, NDP will have to prove to a sometimes rejected such proposals. And influential skeptical public and media establishment NDPers like former leader Ed Broadbent that it is a responsible political force indicated that given the party’s new capable of dealing with the difficult powerful role as the Official Opposition, issues that now confront Canada. it was unlikely that any new NDP leader For example, there are some in the would be looking to the Liberals for business community who doubt the assistance any time soon. NDP’s ability to be a good manager of But the idea of a merger does have the nation’s fiscal and monetary systems. its merits to those who believe it may They regard the NDP as a “tax-and- be the only way the Harper government spend” party that does not recognize can be defeated the next time Canadians the need to curb government spending go to the polls. They point to the fact in order to reduce a ballooning federal that the Conservatives were able to gain deficit. Others point to the fact that the a majority of seats because of vote- NDP has a close alliance with labour splitting in many Ontario ridings. Vote unions and therefore may be reluctant splitting occurs when the Liberals and when in office to introduce measures that NDP together polled far more votes than might curb union power and bargaining the winning Conservative candidate did. rights. And there are also some who If the two parties had formed some kind doubt the party’s commitment to a of alliance before the election, Stephen foreign policy alliance with the United Harper would no longer be Prime States, especially after Jack Layton’s Minister and a Liberal-NDP coalition call to withdraw Canadian forces from would find itself in power. Afghanistan. The successful merger of the former But NDP supporters believe that it -Reform Party and is possible for the party to grow and the Progressive Conservatives in the mature over the next few years in early 2000s was able to bring an end to preparation for a showdown with the what appeared to be an almost perpetual governing Conservatives. They argue cycle of Liberal federal governments. So that most NDP provincial governments,

CBC News in Review • October 2011 • Page 17 such as those that have held power Jack Layton was able to bring about, in Saskatchewan or Manitoba, were especially in Quebec. It now has four actually among the first to eliminate their years to consolidate its position in deficits, and showed a great deal of fiscal that province and to broaden its base responsibility where public spending was of support in other parts of Canada, concerned. To counter the impression especially Ontario and the West, where that it is the party of organized labour, it only made minor gains, if any, in the NDP has reduced the influence of the 2011 race. The first public opinion trade unions in the process of choosing polls taken in the weeks following Jack its next leader in 2012. And finally, the Layton’s death showed a spike in the policy of withdrawing from Afghanistan, party’s national popularity, placing it which the NDP was the first to advocate, very close to the Conservatives and far has in fact been adopted by the ahead of the Liberals. But whether what Conservatives in response to growing pollsters have called the “Jack effect” opposition to that war among Canadians. will last very long remains to be seen. The NDP’s main challenge now is And the next federal election is still four to select a leader who will be able to years away. build on the great breakthrough that Analysis 1. With a partner, share your responses to the three questions posed in this section. Help each other to complete any missing information or answers that you think are important.

2. What qualities do you think the NDP should be looking for as it prepares to select its new federal leader? Why would these be important for the party and Canadian voters as a whole?

3. What are the arguments in favour of and against the idea of a Liberal-NDP merger or electoral alliance? Would you support or oppose such a move? Why?

4. What are the main challenges the NDP now faces as it assumes the role of the Official Opposition to the Conservative government of Stephen Harper? Do you think it will succeed in establishing itself as a credible government-in-waiting in time for the next federal election in 2015? Why or why not?

CBC News in Review • October 2011 • Page 18 THE LIFE AND DEATH OF JACK LAYTON Activity: Assessing His Impact

The life and death of federal NDP leader Jack Layton may be viewed as an event of historical significance for Canada. It certainly generated a great deal of response from Canadians across the country, whether or not they were NDP supporters. It is perhaps too early to tell exactly what the impact of Layton’s life and death will have for the future of Canadian politics, but most observers believe it will be significant.

Your task is to assess the impact of Jack Layton’s life and death, using the criteria for determining historical significance as outlined in the Historical Significance information page at the CBC News in Review website, http://newsinreview. cbclearning.ca/worksheets/historical_significance/. For additional information on understanding historical significance, visit the website of The Historical Thinking Project at www.historicalthinking.ca.

After you have read the information and understand the criteria of historical significance—whether or not an individual’s life results in change, and whether or not it reveals something that is relevant for us today—complete the worksheet on historical significance at http://newsinreview.cbclearning.ca/wp- content/uploads/worksheets/nir-histor-signif.pdf, focusing on important events in the life of Jack Layton as outlined in this News in Review story.

When you have completed the worksheet, share your responses with a partner or in a small group. Then hold a full-class discussion of the historical significance of the life and death of Jack Layton. In your discussion you may want to consider some other aspects of significance: • Distance from the event • Will Jack Layton’s life seem more or less significant 20, 30, or even 50 years from now? • The role of gender and ethnicity • Does there seem to be a difference between the way women see Jack Layton and his legacy, and the way men do? If so, why might this be? • Do people from certain ethnic backgrounds feel more strongly about Jack Layton and his historical significance than others? If so, why might this be?

CBC News in Review • October 2011 • Page 19