My Jack Layton Encounter

As a permanent resident of Canada, I am not entitled to vote. But if I could I would vote for Jack Layton's NDP party, not only because that party reflects my personal ideals but also because of my own encounter with the man whose political leanings seemed to be intrinsically linked to the person he was.

I “met” Jack Layton two years ago during the Fête Nationale du Québec parade held in Montréal. In 2009, I had been a permanent resident for almost 5 years but this June 24th was the first time Michel (my conjoint) and I had gone to the parade.

We arrived early and waited with numerous Québécois along the parade route, almost everyone wearing Québec blue. The parade began, and I was soon caught up in the whole celebratory atmosphere as the “giant” historic figures went by. I had learned about these legendary people in my francisation course.

One of the final “floats” had members of Cirque du Soleil performing acrobatic feats in moving cages. And as is the case with all performances of Cirque du Soleil, it was awe-inspiring.

Then, came the final procession of the parade--various political leaders who represented Québec, walking shoulder to shoulder, spanning the street from curb to curb. I saw Gilles Duceppe and others that I had only ever seen on TV. But the one man I really noticed was Jack Layton.

As I stood on the sidewalk near the curb, I watched as he waved and greeted the people. He was smiling and looking like he was having a grand time. I smiled back and somehow at that moment our eyes met. We connected, and he nodded at me as if to say “hello; nice to see you; thanks for coming.” I was so amazed and impressed. That moment made the parade so special for me and made Jack Layton a real person, someone I somehow knew and not just some politician I would see on the news. In that instant, I became a fan of Jack Layton both as a man and as a politician.

On Monday (August 22), I was saddened to hear of Mr. Layton's death and then was inspired by the letter he had written as he approached his final “good night.” I have shed many tears this week because a good and caring and compassionate man no longer walks among us. How great is our loss!

Now, Mr. Layton lives on in our memories. For me, Jack Layton will forever be the man, the political leader, who, with twinkling eyes, a smile, and a nod, made a US citizen and Canadian permanent resident feel included in his vision for Canada and the world.