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Layton back in Ottawa to lie in state in House of Commons foyer

The body of Jack Layton has arrived on Parliament Hill to lie in state.
Layton Dies TOPIX
Two RCMP officers look at flowers and messages left as a tribute for NDP Leader Jack Layton on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Wednesday. Layton died of cancer on Monday.

OTTAWA — The body of Jack Layton has arrived on Parliament Hill to lie in state.

A grieving Olivia Chow accompanied her husband’s coffin as it was greeted by a piper skirling a lament.

New Democrat MPs and staff shared tearful hugs as the coffin arrived at the Peace Tower, where the flag fluttered at half-mast.

A military honour guard in red tunics and bearskin hats stood by.

Several hundred people watched quietly as the cortege wheeled slowly up to the Centre Block of the Parliament Buildings, where Layton is to lie in state for two days.

The first hours of the ceremony were reserved for family, colleagues and dignitaries, including Gov. Gen. David Johnston.

The hearse left Toronto in the pre-dawn hours and arrived in the capital at mid-morning.