Jack Layton

John Gilbert Layton was born in Hudson, Quebec, into a political family and earned a doctorate in political science from York University. Serving for two decades on Toronto City Council, he championed affordable housing, public transit, and environmental sustainability, serving as president of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

Elected federal NDP leader in 2003, Layton's infectious optimism, folksy charisma, and campaign style transformed Canadian politics. In the May 2011 federal election, campaigning on a cane following surgery, he led the historic 'Orange Wave', winning 103 seats and making the NDP the Official Opposition for the first time in history. His poignant final letter urged: 'Love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear'.