And we’ll change the world.

Jack Layton, Canadian NDP Party Leader, lost his battle with cancer early Monday morning. His passing has left Canadians of all political beliefs mourning the loss of an iconic, inspirational leader and cancer fighter.

For many, goodbyes are incomprehensible and the words just don’t come. Most fortunately for Canada, Jack Layton left an eloquently written farewell letter, outlining his life learnings and his dreams for our fair country. I am both inspired and grateful for his letter (found here) and I am especially fond his closing sentiments:

And finally, to all Canadians: Canada is a great country, one of the hopes of the world. We can be a better one – a country of greater equality, justice, and opportunity. We can build a prosperous economy and a society that shares its benefits more fairly. We can look after our seniors. We can offer better futures for our children. We can do our part to save the world’s environment. We can restore our good name in the world. We can do all of these things because we finally have a party system at the national level where there are real choices; where your vote matters; where working for change can actually bring about change. In the months and years to come, New Democrats will put a compelling new alternative to you. My colleagues in our party are an impressive, committed team. Give them a careful hearing; consider the alternatives; and consider that we can be a better, fairer, more equal country by working together. Don’t let them tell you it can’t be done.

My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world.

All my very best,

Jack Layton

May you rest peacefully, Jack.



(Jack Layton's last letter to Canadians courtesy of CBC News).