It was with great sadness that I learned today of Jack’s passing. He has always been an optimistic force in this city and this country, both in his vision (for Toronto and for Canada) and his personal outlook on life. He was always smiling and seemed to really care about people. He was progressive, yet remained rationally pragmatic about how to achieve results. His vitality and spirit of optimism will be deeply missed.

In March, after rebounding from a fight against cancer, Jack vigorously led the NDP to win record electoral results and achieve  standing as the party of the Official Opposition. The Conservative-Liberal plutocracy had been interrupted, if not ended, and will stay so for a while.  The vanquished Liberals have retrenched to lick wounds, suss out what went wrong and set about rebuilding their party; yet, they are now on notice that the duopoly they’ve enjoyed for almost 150years is no longer a foregone conclusion. It remains to be seen whether the Conservatives, who now have a majority, will continue to rule in a manner appeasing their most right-leaning fiscal and social conservative supporters.

I fear that our petroleum-based consumer capitalist civilization is on the verge of collapse and that those vested with power in our society will try to do all they can to hold onto it. Presently, the NDP offers a real leftist alternative, although even before the last election there were signs of moderation, an edging towards the middle, encroaching on the Liberals’ ground. It will be interesting to see how the left will evolve. Can an alliance with Liberals can be formed to offer a real alternative to the Conservatives or will the Liberals arise again in a bid to retake the middle ground. Negotiating these troublesome waters will demand a keen eye for obstacles, a cool head for strategy, a stout heart for courage and a warm smile to inspire; this is where Jack Layton will be sorely missed.