Remembering Layton
Montreal Members of the NDP Move on After Leader’s Death
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Though his death has sent shock waves through the federal government, former New Democratic Party leader Jack Layton’s death was equally shocking to those who supported the NDP at the grassroots level.
“We in the NDP Concordia are heartbroken to hear that Jack Layton has passed away,” said Natalie Bocking, chairperson of the student group. “The NDP is lucky to have had him as leader for the time that it did.”
Charmaine Borg—one of the young university students known as the “McGill Four” who made headlines after winning seats in Parliament in the last federal election—is a former president of the McGill chapter of the NDP, and currently sits as the MP for Terrebonne-Blainville.
Borg said she took the news of Layton’s passing harshly, but would remember Layton for his ability to lead and politically invigorate Canadians.
“He was definitely was a man who inspired many people and gave hope to many people, especially young people, because he believed in the youth and he really believed in a better Canada for the future.”
Both Bocking and Borg noted the popularity that Layton had among Canadians youth. He addressed young Canadians in his final letter published shortly after his death, writing, “I believe in you. Your energy, your vision, your passion for justice are exactly what this country needs today.”
“For me, because I am younger, he was always the face of the NDP, and he was always the man who inspired me and gave me hope in politics,” said Borg. “I don’t think I would be here if it weren’t for him. He restored hope in politics and that we really could make a difference.”
The 21-year-old Borg and two fellow McGill students, as well as a recent McGill graduate, are but a few of many young, first-time NDP candidates set to head back to the House of Commons Sept. 19. Although much of the NDP’s success in Quebec during the last election was credited to the charismatic Layton, Borg feels that Layton’s loss will not set the NDP’s agenda back.
“We’re a very strong family, we’ve been through a lot since May 2,” she said. “I think we’re all going to get back there in September and try and kick butt and try and really bring forward the Canada that he wanted.”
Bocking said that while there would be no formal memorial on the part of Concordia NDP, several members of the club made the trek to Toronto for Layton’s funeral. She said Layton’s memory would be best upheld by upholding the principles for which he stood.
“I believe the best way for students to memorialize Jack is to continue the work that he dedicated his life to by getting involved politically and supporting the progressive movement in Canada.”
“For me, because I am younger, he was always the face of the NDP, and he was always the man who inspired me and gave me hope in politics,”
The 21-year-old Borg and two fellow McGill students, as well as a recent McGill graduate, are but a few of many young, first-time NDP candidates set to head back to the House of Commons Sept. 19. Although much of the NDP’s success in Quebec during the last election was credited to the charismatic Layton, Borg feels that Layton’s loss will not set the NDP’s agenda back.
“We’re a very strong family, we’ve been through a lot since May 2,” she said. “I think we’re all going to get back there in September and try and kick butt and try and really bring forward the Canada that he wanted.”
Bocking said that while there would be no formal memorial on the part of Concordia NDP, several members of the club made the trek to Toronto for Layton’s funeral. She said Layton’s memory would be best upheld by upholding the principles for which he stood.
“I believe the best way for students to memorialize Jack is to continue the work that he dedicated his life to by getting involved politically and supporting the progressive movement in Canada.”
This article originally appeared in Volume 32, Issue 01, published August 30, 2011.
