Jack Layton - 1950 to 2011
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Continued from front “That’s really sad,” said Smyth. “That’s a bad thing for the country, a sad thing for his family. He was quite a remarkable individual.” Before this year’s election was called, Smyth met Layton briefly at an event. “(He was a) very charismatic, powerful individual,” said Smyth. “I wish I had had time to sit down with him and talk.” Smyth commended Layton for making what he felt was a good impact during the election, but he noted it was sad that Layton could not enjoy the fruits of his hard labour over the years, as Leader of the Official Opposition. “He left something for people to work with,” said Smyth of the shape he left the NDP. “I’m not very familiar with who would take over that position. We’ll see who steps up.” Same names that have been mentioned include deputy leader Thomas Mulcair of Montreal and the NDP’s foreign affairs critic Paul Dewar of Ottawa Centre. Ray Samuels, the independent New Democratic candidate for the upcoming provincial election in Carleton-Mississippi Mills, was also drawn to the party by Layton. Samuels recalled seeing Layton in happier times during the annual Taste of the Danforth festival in downtown Toronto. As the MP for Toronto-Danforth, Layton was doing a constituent meet-and-greet, and Samuels saw first hand the Layton charm at work. “He had a whole crowd around
File photo
The late federal New Democratic Party leader Jack Layton mingles with voters during a campaign stop in Kanata. him,” Samuels recalled. “He was smiling and everyone was smiling around him.” Samuels heard the sad news online Monday morning, and “it was very shocking and sad,” though he admitted that, at last month’s press conference “he (Layton) didn’t look so great.” “This is a shock for all Canadians. Canadians were pulling for him,” said Samuels. “Canadians, irrespective of their political perspectives, they admired his principles.” Samuels worked on many NDP campaigns when Layton was leader. “His name resonated at the
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THE TOWNSHIP OF LANARK HIGHLANDS
door,” said Samuels of his doorknocking duties in Ottawa. “They would respect that you were coming from a party with a leader that spoke with integrity.” “Our thoughts are with his family at this time,” said Leanne Waddell, manager of the Lanark, Leeds and Grenville unit of the Cancer Society, based in Perth. “We’re very sad to hear of his untimely passing…He seemed to touch many lives. Mr. Layton has always been a big supporter of health issues and the Canadian Cancer Society.” She pointed out that even back during his time on Toronto city
MUNICIPAL MATTERS
613-259-2398 or 1-800-239-4695
NOTICE OF FIRE BAN EFFECTIVE JULY 21, 2011 Effective immediately, no open air burning is permitted in the Township of Lanark Highlands. Fire bans will be extended or cancelled depending on weather conditions. Permits are not issued for burning of grass or leaves at any time. The discharge of fireworks is prohibited during a Fire Ban.
Layton ended his letter on an council, Layton was a keen supporter of society-backed initia- upbeat note. “My friends, love is better tives like making smoke-free than anger. Hope is better than public spaces. On a personal level, Waddell fear. Optimism is better than desaid that “he touched many spair. So let us be loving, hopeful lives, whether they liked his and optimistic. And we’ll change party or not. It’s very special for the world.” Layton is survived by wife and a political figure to have people MP Olivia Chow, and children liking him.” Mississippi Mills Mayor John Sarah and Michael. Since the news of the death of Levi was attending the Association of Municipalities of Ontar- Layton broke, condolence mesio meeting in London, Ont. this sages have poured in through week, where he was surrounded various social media pages from by municipal politicians who people across the country. would have remembered Layton A state funeral for Layton will from his days as president of the be held at 2 p.m. in Roy Thomson Federation of Canadian Munici- Hall in Toronto Saturday. palities (FCM). With files from Eddie Rwema. “Jack will be missed on the Derek Dunn File photo political level. He kept people on their toes,” said Levi by phone from London. “It’ll change the political landscape, that’s for sure. Without him, it will be more difficult (for the NDP).” Levi noted that Layton’s passing came as a shock to him and other delegates. He had met Layton at an FCM conference in Halifax. “You couldn’t help but feel the charisma,” said Levi. “He was very friendly.” In a letter to Canadians written two days before his death, dated Aug. 20 and released by his family on Monday, Layton called on others afflicted with the disease not to be discouraged that his own journey hasn’t gone as well as he had hoped. “And finally, to all Canadians: Canada is a great country, one of the hopes of the world. We File photo can be a better one - a country of greater equality, justice, and The late Leader of Her Majesty’s opportunity. Loyal Opposition, Jack Layton.
www.lanarkhighlands.ca
REMINDER - TAX NOTICE 2011 FINAL LEVY FINAL INSTALLMENTS DUE: AUGUST 31 AND OCTOBER 31 Methods of payment:
The Fire Department of Lanark Highlands reminds all residents that you are responsible and liable for all open air fires used to burn brush or wood products.
• Mail to Township of Lanark Highlands, PO Box 340 Lanark ON K0G 1K0 • In person at Township Office: 75 George Street, Lanark ON • Telephone and internet banking. Bank service charges may apply. • Taxes can be paid at any bank - original bill is required. • Drop off your payment in mail slot at Township Office (NO CASH PLEASE)
For additional updates or if you have any questions please contact the Township of Lanark Highlands municipal office at 613-259-2398 ext. 242 or 1-800-239-4695.
Past due taxes are subject to a penalty charge of 1.25% per month. If you did not receive your tax bill, please contact the Township Office immediately 613-259-2398, ext. 229
Council Meeting Schedule: Tuesday, August 30 – at 1:00 p.m. Committee of the Whole Tuesday, September 13 – at 2:30 p.m. Committee of the Whole Thursday, September 22 – at 7:00 p.m. Council Tuesday, September 27 – at 2:30 p.m. Committee of the Whole Municipal Office Closed – September 9, 2011 The 9th Annual Staff Golf Day will be held on Friday. September 9th, the Municipal Office will be closed at 1:00 p.m.
August 25 2011 Canadian Gazette
Layton to have state funeral Saturday in Toronto