The first session of Canada's 41st Parliament resumed sitting on September 19, 2011. The proceedings began with the Speaker, the Honourable Andrew Scheer, officially informing the House that the seat for the riding of Toronto-Danforth was vacant due to the death of Jack Layton. The Speaker told the House he had advised Canada's Chief Electoral Officer of the vacancy so an election writ could be issued.
Layton, who became leader of the Official Opposition only last May 2nd, informed the public two months later that he was taking a leave of absence. The NDP leader wanted the time to fight the new cancer that had recently been diagnosed. Layton passed away on August 22 at his Toronto home.
By agreement of all the parties, the first portion of sitting was to allow certain MPs to speak to pay tribute to the late leader and parliamentarian.
Layton's Family Presented Interim NDP Leader with Eagle Feathers
The first speaker was Nycole Turmel, who spoke from her seat next to Layton's that remained empty. The Quebec MP became interim leader of the NDP after Layton expressed the wish she be appointed to that position when he took his leave of absence.
After expressing her condolences to Layton's family, Turmel told of how the family had presented her with two eagle feathers. The feathers belonged to the late leader who often held them when he made important decisions. They were passed on to Turmel, as leader, in the hopes that Layton's spirit and wisdom would guide her as she makes decisions.
Turmel also spoke of Layton's strong belief in the democratic process and how he had worked to improve the tone of proceedings in the House of Commons. The interim leader asked members to follow his example by disagreeing without being disrespectful.
Turmel concluded her remarks by talking about the reaction in the country to Layton's death and how it showed how much love there was for the former leader.
Layton Showed Courage Dignity and Optimism
The next speaker was Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Harper began his remarks by saying how MPs can develop friendships with other Members despite their political differences and how all MPs had affection for Layton.
The Prime Minister spoke of Layton's courage and dignity that was observed while he campaigned during the last election despite battling cancer. This, said Harper, increased the affection and respect for him throughout the country.
Like Turmel, the Prime Minister spoke of how Layton attempted to make the House of Commons a more civil place.
Harper concluded his remarks by expressing his condolences to the family and praised Layton's widow, NDP MP Olivia Chow for showing the same type of dignity and courage after the Opposition Leader's death.
Partisanship Has Been Surpassed
The third speaker was Bob Rae, the interim leader of the Liberal Party. Rae began by speaking of his friendship with Layton that began when both were members of the NDP. Like Harper, the Liberal leader talked about Layton's optimism and the affection for him by people who did not agree with him politically. Rae characterized Layton's death as one of those occasions that rise above partisanship.
Rae talked about some issues that were important to Layton such as AIDS, homelessness and gays, lesbians and the transgendered. The interim Liberal leader pointed out how although everyone did not agree with him. a lot of people eventually came around to Layton's point of view.
Rae told the House that although Layton is gone, "his warmth, strength and the quality of his personality will never die or disappear."
Like Harper before him, Rae paid tribute to Chow for her dignity and courage.
Bloc and The Green Party MPs Also Paid Tribute
On behalf of the Bloc Quebecois, MP Louis Plamondon spoke of Layton's passion and honesty and how he ran during the last election campaign despite suffering from cancer. Plamondon also touched on Layton's fearlessness in his battles in the House.
Elizabeth May, the only sitting member of the Green Party, talked about how the country mourned Layton's death collectively. She pointed out that he died after the election that made him the leader of the Official Opposition, describing that time as "the height of his power."
Olivia Chow Thanks Members
The last MP to speak was Chow who thanked all previous speakers for their comments. Chow also thanked the "generosity of Canadians" that acted as a source of strength to her and the family.
Chow singled out the Prime Minister and his wife, Laureen, for the support they had given to her, both privately and in public. Chow also thanked Harper for giving Layton a state funeral.
Prior to going on to other business, the Speaker called for a moment of silence in honour of Layton.
Arthur Weinreb - Weinreb is an author, associate editor and columnist with Canada Free Press and the Canadian Affairs Feature Writer for Suite 101.
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