Jack Layton

Former federal NDP Leader Jack Layton devoted more than two decades of public service to Canada. He was a city councillor, a respected scholar, the president of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, the chair of the Toronto Board of Health, an author, and a small business owner.

He first studied at McGill University in Montreal and then went on to study foreign investment and public policy at York University, earning a Ph.D in 1984. He would go on to teach at three universities, most recently at the University of Toronto.

As a six-term Toronto city councilor, he spearheaded innovative public projects such as Canada’s first municipally-sponsored AIDS strategy, which became a nationwide model.; The Healthy Cities model, adopted by the WHO; an urban wind turbine; and The White Ribbon Campaign of men speaking out against violence against women.

As head of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, he helped launch successful initiatives like the Green Infrastructure Fund to help cities clean up their air and water; and innovative ideas on how to address homelessness.

His company, the Green Catalyst Group, Inc., has helped organizations implement workable environmental solutions – work that won a United Nations award.

As leader of Canada's NDP from 2003 to 2011, he led the NDP party to its biggest seat total and to the status of official opposition.

Sadly, Jack Layton passed away after battling cancer on August 22nd, 2011.