OTTAWA — Federal NDP Leader Jack Layton died today, just months after leading his party to unprecedented success in the federal election campaign. He was 61.
The party issued a statement from Layton’s family.
“We deeply regret to inform you that The Honourable Jack Layton, leader of the New Democratic Party of Canada, passed away at 4:45 am today, Monday August 22,” said the statement from his wife, Olivia Chow, and two children, Sarah and Michael.
“He passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family and loved ones.”
Funeral details were not immediately announced.
Condolences began pouring in immediately.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper said he was “deeply saddened” by Layton’s death.
“On behalf of all Canadians, I salute Jack’s contribution to public life, a contribution that will be sorely missed,” Harper said in a statement.
“I know one thing: Jack gave his fight against cancer everything he had. Indeed, Jack never backed down from any fight.
“To his wife Olivia, his family, and to his colleagues and friends, Laureen and I offer our heartfelt condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time.”
Gov. Gen. David Johnston first commented on Twitter:
“I learned with great sadness we just lost Jack Layton. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”
Bob Rae, a former NDP premier of Ontario and now federal Liberal leader, also sent a tweet:
“Deeply saddened by news about Jack Layton, Arlene and I send deepest condolences to Olivia and family. He is a loss to a grieving Canada.”
New Democrat MP Jagmeet Singh was on Twitter:
“Dear Jack Layton — the inspiration that you are is unparalleled. Your legacy will live on — we promise!”
Green party Leader Elizabeth May called the news terribly said.
“Deepest sympathy to (at)jacklayton’s family and to all in the NDP for whom he worked so long and hard,” she wrote in a tweet.
Veteran Vancouver MP Libby Davies said: “People think of him as a great Canadian and we think of him as a great leader in a political sense, but in a personal sense.”
David Jacobson, the U.S. ambassador to Canada, posted a statement on his blog to express sorrow on behalf of his family and the American people.
“I will never forget the image of Jack campaigning as the happy warrior,” Jacobson wrote. “His energy, enthusiasm and passion for politics and for the Canadian people were undeniable. Something I will never forget. A standard for all of us.”
Michael Layton on Twitter offered his appreciation: “Thank you all for your kind messages and support.”
Layton’s death came a month after he appeared at a news conference, looking frail and gaunt, to announce he was suffering from a new, unspecified cancer and would temporarily step down as party leader and head of the official Opposition.
Nycole Turmel, a rookie Quebec MP and veteran labour leader, took over within days, but the caucus and party all expressed hope for Layton’s quick return to health.
It was not to be.
Layton had been diagnosed with prostate cancer in early 2010, but continued a crowded schedule while getting treatment. He suffered a hip fracture just before the start of the spring campaign but it was surgically repaired. He leaned on a cane during the campaign, but seemed as full of energy and optimism as ever.