Jack

The front of today's newspaper showed two people hugging with a wall-sized photo of a smiling Jack Layton in the background. After his surprising passing on Monday, his face has become more prominent than ever with newspapers and websites showing photographs of his political career, almost always smiling, always with his signature moustache and always hopeful. Earlier this year during the Federal Election, the party he led had a historical finish when the NDP became the opposition party for the first time ever. I think in due time, Mr. Layton could have become Prime Minister. Or maybe it was the dream of so many people who this week are in shock of the passing of the guy who was reminiscent of everyone's favourite uncle out to make a difference.
Sure, he was a politician and few of us actually trust those types of people but I feel like Mr. Layton was as genuine as a person in his position could have been. He had the interest of Canada as a country at heart as well as Canada the people.
In every federal election I've participated in since I turned 18, which has been every one (2004, 2006, 2008 and 2011) I've voted NDP. Mr. Layton has been the leader of the party for every one of those years and thus has been the resulting focus of my vote.
Canada lost a great man this week. My hope is that the hard work he put into his party and this country can carry on with the person who will replace him.
Thanks, Uncle Jack!