Jack Layton passed away today after a lengthy struggle with cancer. He was the leader of the federal New Democratic Party. He was a politician who put principles first, and I respect that.

For those not familiar with Canadian politics, we are a two party country. Officially, there are a bunch of others, but not really. For my whole life, if you wanted to run the country, you joined either the Liberals, or the Conservatives. Mr. Layton devoted his political life to changing that.

His youth was one of privilege and comfort. The sort expected to produce a more conservative adult. Despite this, he became a proponent of social justice. After serving for a time in municipal government, Mr. Layton decided to move to the federal arena.

Did he move to one of the two major power parties? No, instead he joined a smaller federal party that was a better fit for him. The NDP (New Democratic Party) were the social conscience of the federal government. Everybody “knew” they were never going to be a big player, but Jack Layton saw something else. He saw the NDP as more than Canada’s guilty conscience. He saw it as a major power, and a vehicle for change.

He worked within the party to win over the core members. Eventually, he became party leader. There still wasn’t much of a party to lead, so he set his sights on like-minded people who for years had regarded the NDP as an also-ran joke. From there, he took his message to the Canadian people. The NDP weren’t a bunch of free-spending, socialists on the far-left fringes of the political landscape. Then he was diagnosed with cancer, and he fought this fight as he had so many others, with courage, dignity and humor.

Going into the last election, Jack Layton was leading a party with a clear vision and an achievable agenda. By that time, the roles had been reversed. A strong and vital man once joined a weak and ailing party because he believed in what it could be. In 2011, a strong and vital party entered an election led by a man struggling with a terrible disease. While other parties campaign messages were basically, “Vote for me because I’m not the other guy.”, the NDP spoke of a vision. Not a vision for the NDP, or for “the Nation”, but for the people of Canada, and the people responded.

The NDP didn’t win the election, but they won the day at every other level. From a perennial third place also-ran, they now form the official opposition. Instead of being viewed as a semi-radical fringe party, they are now seen by many as a serious contender to govern the nation.

Let me be clear about something. I’ve never voted for the NDP. Instead of voting for a party that shared my values, I voted against ones that didn’t. Anyone who reads this blog knows I feel strongly about social and political issues. I read the news, and I listen to those more educated, or experienced than myself. Then I talk to people about what I’ve learned, or I post to this blog.

There were issues that Mr. Layton felt strongly about, and I’m certain he talked the people around him, but he didn’t stop there. He engaged with the system and worked to change it from within. When there was no political party that would support his vision, he rebuilt one from the ground up. He didn’t just talk about what he believed, he lived it. He didn’t just dream of a brighter future where things are done differently, he worked to build that future.

That is what I respect the most, the determination to translate his dream into reality. Anyone can find faults in the world. It is a rare person who will devote themselves to fixing them. Mr. Layton fought cancer and a come-from-behind election campaign at the same time, and that’s all impressive enough. What made him a great man in my eyes is the dignity, grace and decency with which he did so. Thank you Jack for your vision, your work, and most of all for being a man I admire.

Jack Layton died today, but his unbreakable spirit and commitment to changing the status quo will live on.

Cheers, Winston