RIP Jack Layton

[CCIP]

Canada's federal opposition leader has passed away today after his battle with cancer.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-14618943

Whether or not you agree with his party's left-leaning platform (and to a large extent I did not), it's hard not to feel sorry for him. He was a stand-up guy, mocked by [current Canadian PM] Harper and others during the last campaign as having no chance of ever forming government, and then coming in strong to lead his party to their first-ever turn at being the official opposition. He always struck me as reasonable, respectful and amicable. When I lived in Ottawa for several years, he could frequently be spotted near Parliament Hill, wandering around and chatting to ordinary people (including my dad at one point), without any pomp or any sign of security.

Really a rare case of a politician that I can truly say I admired and will miss, even if I didn't vote for him.

His final letter to the public really does reflect his cool-headed, reasonable and down-to-earth style of PR. Quite sad to read
http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/stor...st-letter.html