Big shoes to fill

At a time when politicians aren’t widely regarded with high esteem by people, it’s rare to see one who genuinely captured the respect and admiration of the masses.
Jack Layton was among those few. The outpouring of accolades and grief at makeshift memorials right across the country this week is a testament to the charisma and character of the man who succumbed to cancer early Monday morning less than four months after triumphantly leading the NDP to Official Opposition status in the May 2 election.
You may not have agreed with his policies, but Canadians of all political stripes clearly were drawn to his magnetic personality. He had an uncanny ability to connect with people, and rally them to the cause. His enthusiasm and determination on the hustings, despite already having waged one battle with cancer and while hobbled by hip surgery, was infectious.
He breathed life into what otherwise was shaping up to be another listless campaign and got Canadians, particularly young voters, excited about politics again. Perhaps most importantly, he offered Quebecers a federalist option that neither the Conservatives or Liberals were able to deliver since the emergence of the Bloc Quebecois in the 1993 election.
Mr. Layton was not, however, merely a silver-tongued politician skilled in the art of doublespeak and empty promises. He had his principles—and stuck with them. He brought a spirit of optimism and hope to Ottawa, and a willingness to find compromise to make Parliament work for all Canadians.
And that is what will be missed most when the House of Commons resumes sitting Sept. 19.
Life goes on, of course, but Mr. Layton does leave big shoes to fill—and not just for the NDP. Time will tell soon enough if the party continues to thrive under a new leader.
Harder to pin down, though, is whether anyone—in any party—is able to exude the same passion, drive, and sincerity that ignites Canadians to take a renewed interest in the political process and the very future of our country.
Mr. Layton set the bar high, but showed what can be accomplished if one puts their mind to it. What Canada needs most now is the rest of our politicians to follow that standard.