AUPE President comments on the passing of federal Opposition Leader Jack Layton
EDMONTON – AUPE President Guy Smith issued the following statement this morning in reaction to the death of the Hon. Jack Layton, NDP Leader of the Official Opposition:
“The sad news this morning of Jack Layton’s death comes as a shock. My deep condolences go out to Jack’s family and his many supporters across the country. We have lost an admirable political leader this morning.
“Like many Canadians, I was inspired by Jack’s leadership during the last federal election. He sincerely believed the lives of Canadians could be improved through democratic engagement, and didn’t stoop to personal attacks. His positive and hopeful approach to politics inspired many people across this country to believe once more in a political system they had given up on.
“Layton often liked to quote Tommy Douglas, signing off with the words: ‘Courage my friends, ‘tis never too late to build a better world.’ It is a message that resonates with me and one I hope that union activists everywhere take to heart as a tribute to his contributions to our country.”
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