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First of all, allow us to express our condolences to Jack Layton’s family.  This story is about Jack Laytons Legacy. This is a bittersweet time for them. Having been associated with cancer myself, no one wants to see their loved one die. However at the same time no one wants to see them suffer either. Especially when there is nothing further that can be done for them. The only treatment at that point is pain management usually through morphine or some similar drug.

Jack Layton worked until the end and strove to go out in a dignified manner with his place in history firmly in established. He accomplished a great deal for his party and for Canadians and no one can take that away from him. Jack devoted himself to his life’s work which was Canadian Politics and the role that the NDP would play on the national scene. He succeeded beyond all expectations and for that we have to take our hats off to this man.

Sure he made some mistakes along the way. We all do from time to time, but this is not the time to belabor those issues. Nor would it accomplish anything at all to list them here. We are not interested in that since they are past history. The real issue for all Canadians is what will his legacy be and how will it impact us?

What is Jack Layton’s Legacy

At the moment, the NDP is the official opposition. For the first time in history it also represents a number of ridings in Quebec. For the first time, it is now lead by a Quebecor who also was a card carrying member of the separatist movement in Quebec for some time. They have many new members who have little experience in the house of commons or in some cases in politics at all. These are not criticisms, rather they are merely statements of fact that many news organizations have reported on.

The National NDP party and Jack Layton were synonymous. Now the reins must pass on. A leader of his caliber must take over. They must continue to drive the party in the manner that he did or his party may just decline back to that 3rd party status the NDP have always occupied in Canada.

Unifying Leader?

It is unlikely that there will be a unifying leader emerge to do this. Some one of his stature has not yet emerged, even though he has nominated an interim leader for the party. The next 12 months will be critical in terms of decisions. Actions and will determine if the party can make a real contribution during the 4 years the conservatives will be in power. They may also determine the outcome of the election which will be in 4 years time.

Jack would have made a great deal of progress and would have represented all of the ridings that the NDP won in very well. It is unclear what his party will do now. We can only wait and watch as the party regroups and brings a new leader out to match wits with the conservative party. Don’t forget the liberals will use every device available to them to embarrass the NDP and regain their usual place in Canadian Politics. It will be fun to watch over the next 4 years.

Appreciate your comments on this subject and others in Canadian Politics.

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