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| Jack Layton |
August 22, 2011
City of Toronto pays tribute to former City Councillor Jack Layton
Jack Layton, Member of Parliament, Leader of the Official Opposition, lost a determined and brave battle against cancer early this morning.
He served on Toronto City Council and Metro Council for 18 years.
Layton first ran for alderman in the downtown Ward 6 of the former City of Toronto in the 1982 municipal election, and served on City Council from 1982 to 1991. He also served on Metro Council from 1984 to 1988. He ran for mayor in the 1991 municipal election, placing second behind June Rowlands. In 1994 he was elected to Metro Council, representing the Don River ward. In 1998 Layton joined the newly amalgamated City of Toronto Council representing Ward 30, Toronto Danforth, and was re-elected in 2000. He served until January 28, 2003, when he resigned his City Council seat after being selected as leader of the federal New Democratic Party.
"On the Council floor Jack Layton was a skilled debater who was well known for responding to the needs of all residents of Toronto. Jack was a fighter and he will be missed in Canadian politics," said Mayor Rob Ford. "On behalf of the Members of Toronto City Council, I extend our deepest condolences to Jack's wife, Olivia, to son Mike Layton who serves on Toronto City Council, to daughter Sarah Layton, and all of his family."
Flags at City Hall, Metro Hall and Toronto civic centres will be lowered to half mast, and will remain lowered until the end of the day of his funeral.
Toronto is Canada's largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.6 million people. Toronto's government is dedicated to delivering customer service excellence, creating a transparent and accountable government, reducing the size and cost of government and building a transportation city. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
