The State Funeral, just a few last words for Jack

Monday was a tough day for this country. After today hopefully, there can be a sense of peace across Canada. It's always tough to say goodbye to someone. But I can't think of a better way to go out than with a full Roy Thompson Hall. 

Even though I would have loved to be in Toronto this morning with the thousands who attended, there is some beautiful coverage. I must say the CBC has done a great job of caputuring the event. The link here is the eulogy given by his son Mike and daughter Sarah. Stephen Lewis also gives some phenomenal last words to his friend and former colleague. I highly suggest you take some time to watch it.

All week I've been sorting through my feelings towards this loss. I'm still not sure what to do. As a bit of a political nerd, I can't help but feel as though we've got some tough shoes to fill. I had the great pleasure of meeting Jack Layton and shaking his hand in 2005. He was the guest at Much on Demand of all things (ya, it was a class trip) and while most of the audience clapped with confusion, I was completely thrilled. Being in his presence opened my eyes to a new side of politics. This guy actually cared. He was genuine and charismatic with every answer (even though the blonde chick interviewing him had no clue what he was talking about). After the show he stuck around and shook hands like every politician does, but Jack was far from the typical transparent public servant. Even though it was a small encounter it's always stuck with me. It's important as a young person to be looked in the eye and asked for your opinion. Unfortunately we don't see more Jack's running for public office. 

So today when my friend Alyson sent me pictures from Toronto, I knew I had to share. For a few reasons. One being her and I sat in that audience in 2005 and shared an experience we will always remember. And secondly, to showcase how beautifully his life is being celebrated. 

By this point I think it's fair to say the majority of us have read Jack's letter, if you haven't please do so. As Stephen Lewis put it, 'Jack's letter to Canada was a manifesto for social democracy.' Regardless of what colour you vote for, I think the death of Jack Layton reminds us we can have greater equality, creative generosity and respect for one another. Unforuntately these qualities get lost in the shuffle, but they don't have to.