View source for Jack Layton

{{Short description|Canadian politician (1950–2011)}}
{{Use Canadian English|date=February 2022}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2023}}
{{confused|Jack Clayton}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| honorific_prefix    = [[The Honourable]]
| name                = Jack Layton
| honorific_suffix    = {{post-nominals|country=CAN|size=100%|PC|MSC}}
| image               = Jack Layton - 2011.jpg
| alt                 = Layton wearing a suit and a striped tie
| caption             = Layton in 2011
| office              = [[Leader of the Official Opposition (Canada)|Leader of the Opposition]]
| term_start          = May 2, 2011
| term_end            = August 22, 2011
| predecessor         = [[Michael Ignatieff]]
| successor           = [[Nycole Turmel]]
| office2             = [[Leader of the New Democratic Party]]
| deputy2             = [[Bill Blaikie]]<br>[[Libby Davies]]<br>[[Tom Mulcair]]
| term_start2         = January 25, 2003
| term_end2           = August 22, 2011{{efn|name=leave|Layton was on leave from July{{nbsp}}28 to August{{nbsp}}22, 2011.}}
| predecessor2        = [[Alexa McDonough]]
| successor2          = [[Nycole Turmel]] (interim)
| riding3             = [[Toronto—Danforth (federal electoral district)|Toronto—Danforth]]
| parliament3         = Canadian
| term_start3         = June 28, 2004
| term_end3           = August 22, 2011
| predecessor3        = [[Dennis Mills]]
| successor3          = [[Craig Scott (politician)|Craig Scott]]
| office4             = [[Toronto City Councillor]]{{efn|Served in Ward 6 [[Old Toronto|City of Toronto]]; 1982–1991, Ward 25 Don River; 1994–2000, and Ward 30 Broadview-Greenwood; 2000–2003.}}
| term_start5         = 1982
| term_end5           = 1991
| predecessor5        = [[Dan Heap]]
| successor5          = [[Kyle Rae]]
| term_start4         = 1994
| term_end4           = 2003
| predecessor4        = ''Ward established''
| successor4          = [[Paula Fletcher]]
| birth_name          = John Gilbert Layton
| birth_date          = {{Birth date|1950|7|18}}
| birth_place         = [[Montreal]], [[Quebec]], Canada
| death_date          = {{Death date and age|2011|8|22|1950|7|18}}
| death_place         = [[Toronto]], [[Ontario]], Canada
| party               = [[New Democratic Party (Canada)|New Democratic]]
| spouse              = {{plainlist|
* {{marriage|Sally Halford|1969|1983|reason=divorced}}
* {{marriage|[[Olivia Chow]]|1988}}
}}
| parents             = {{hlist | [[Robert Layton (politician)|Robert Layton]] | Doris Steeves}}
| relatives           = [[Gilbert Layton]] (grandfather)
| children            = {{hlist | [[Mike Layton]] | Sarah Layton}}
| alma_mater          = {{plainlist|
* [[McGill University]] ([[Bachelor of Arts|BA]])
* [[York University]] ([[Master of Arts|MA]], [[Doctor of Philosophy|PhD]])
}}
| occupation          = Academic
| signature           = Jack Layton Signature 2.svg
}}

'''John Gilbert Layton''' {{post-nominals|country=CAN|PC|MSC}} (July 18, 1950 – August 22, 2011) was a Canadian politician and academic who served as the [[leader of the New Democratic Party]] (NDP) from 2003 to 2011 and [[Leader of the Official Opposition (Canada)|leader of the Official Opposition]] in 2011. He previously sat on [[Toronto City Council]], occasionally holding the title of acting mayor or deputy mayor of [[Toronto]] during his tenure as city councillor.<ref>{{cite web|title=Former City Councillor Jack Layton|url=http://www.toronto.ca/toronto_history/councillors/2001-2003/layton1.htm|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019055703/http://www.toronto.ca/toronto_history/councillors/2001-2003/layton1.htm|archive-date=October 19, 2013|access-date=March 24, 2011|website=[[Municipal government of Toronto|City of Toronto]]}}</ref> Layton was the [[Member of Parliament (Canada)|member of Parliament]] (MP) for [[Toronto—Danforth (federal electoral district)|Toronto—Danforth]] from [[2004 Canadian federal election|2004]] until his death.

The son of a [[Progressive Conservative Party of Canada|Progressive Conservative]] cabinet minister, Layton was raised in [[Hudson, Quebec]]. He rose to prominence in Toronto municipal politics, where he was one of the most prominent [[left-wing politics|left-wing]] voices on the city and [[Metropolitan Toronto]] councils, championing many progressive causes. In [[1991 Toronto municipal election|1991]], he ran for mayor, losing to [[June Rowlands]]. Returning to council, he rose to become head of the [[Federation of Canadian Municipalities]]. In 2003, he was elected leader of the NDP on the first ballot of the [[2003 New Democratic Party leadership election|leadership election]].

Under his leadership, support for the NDP increased in each election. The party's popular vote almost doubled in the [[2004 Canadian federal election|2004 election]], which gave the NDP the [[balance of power (parliament)|balance of power]] in [[Paul Martin]]'s [[minority government]]. In May 2005, the NDP supported the [[2005 Canadian federal budget|Liberal budget]] in exchange for major amendments, in what was promoted as Canada's "first NDP budget".<ref>{{Cite news <!-- Deny Citation Bot--> |work=Toronto Star |title=Good for Canada, Layton declares; Commons backs 'first NDP budget' |last=Campion-Smith |first=Bruce |date=May 20, 2005 |page=A6|id = {{ProQuest|438826726}}}}</ref> In November of that year, Layton voted with other opposition parties to defeat the Liberal government over the findings of the [[Gomery Commission]]. The NDP saw further gains in the [[2006 Canadian federal election|2006]] and [[2008 Canadian federal election|2008 elections]], in which the party elected 29 and 37 MPs, respectively. His wife, [[Olivia Chow]], was also an MP and has served as the 66th [[mayor of Toronto]] since 2023.

In the [[2011 Canadian federal election|2011 election]], Layton led the NDP to the most successful result in the party's history, winning 103 seats—making the party the [[Official Opposition (Canada)|Official Opposition]] for the first time. Federal support for Layton and the NDP in the election was unprecedented, especially in the province of [[Quebec]], where the party won 59 out of 75 seats.

Layton died on August 22, 2011, after being diagnosed with cancer. Details of the type and spread of the cancer, and the exact cause of death, were not released to the public. Shortly before he died, Layton had nominated [[Nycole Turmel]] as interim leader of the NDP and, consequently, of the Official Opposition. [[Tom Mulcair]] won the [[2012 New Democratic Party leadership election|leadership election]] to succeed him.

==Early life and career==
John Gilbert Layton was born on July 18, 1950 in [[Montreal]], [[Quebec]],<ref name="Brittanica">{{cite web |title=Jack Layton |url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jack-Layton |website=[[Encyclopædia Britannica]] |access-date=13 April 2024 |language=en}}</ref> to parents Doris Elizabeth ({{nee|Steeves}}), and Progressive Conservative MP [[Robert Layton (politician)|Robert Layton]]. He was the maternal great-grandnephew of [[William Steeves]], a [[Fathers of Confederation|Father of Confederation]], and his grandfather, [[Gilbert Layton]], had served as a minister without portfolio to the government of Quebec's [[Union Nationale (Quebec)|Union Nationale]] under Premier [[Maurice Duplessis]]. Layton was raised in [[Hudson, Quebec|Hudson]], a largely [[English Canada|Anglophone]] suburb of Montreal, where he served as the [[student council]] president of [[Hudson High School (Quebec)|Hudson High School]].<ref name="Independent-obit">{{cite news |last1=Childs |first1=Martin |title=Jack Layton: Canadian politician who became leader of the opposition after revitalising the NDP |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/jack-layton-canadian-politician-who-became-leader-of-the-opposition-after-revitalising-the-ndp-2343970.html |access-date=June 7, 2024 |work=[[The Independent]] |date=August 26, 2011}}</ref> He would later credit longtime friend and musician [[Billy Bryans]] for having played a role in his student council victory.<ref name="Death announced">{{cite news|title=Parachute Club's Billy Bryans dies at 62|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/parachute-club-s-billy-bryans-dies-at-63-1.1157341|access-date=April 23, 2012|newspaper=[[CBC News]]|date=April 23, 2012|location=Toronto}}</ref> In his graduating yearbook, Layton wrote as a testament, "I leave to become prime minister."<ref>{{cite news |title=Layton remembered in hometown as NDP looks to maintain Quebec presence |url=https://montreal.ctvnews.ca/layton-remembered-in-hometown-as-ndp-looks-to-maintain-quebec-presence-1.687121 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231203131909/https://montreal.ctvnews.ca/layton-remembered-in-hometown-as-ndp-looks-to-maintain-quebec-presence-1.687121 |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 3, 2023 |access-date=29 September 2023 |work=[[CTV Montreal]] |date=23 August 2011 |language=en}}</ref>

In 1969, he was appointed as the [[Parlement Jeunesse du Québec|Quebec Youth Parliament]] prime minister,<ref name="Times-Bio">{{cite news |title=Jack Layton |url=https://www.thetimes.com/world/us-world/article/jack-layton-5cw0sz98mf3 |access-date=29 September 2023 |work=[[The Times]] |date=September 15, 2011 |language=en}}</ref> holding this position until 1970.<ref name="Independent-obit"/> That same year, Layton graduated from [[McGill University]] with a [[Bachelor of Arts]] (BA) with [[Honours degree|honours]] in [[political science]] and [[economics]],<ref>{{cite news |title=Grading the candidates |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-toronto-star/145268926/ |access-date=13 April 2024 |work=[[The Toronto Star]] |date=29 September 1991 |page=3 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="Brittanica"/> and was a member of the [[Sigma Chi]] fraternity.<ref name="Macleans-2011">{{cite news |last1=Geddes |first1=John |title=The life and times of Jack Layton |url=https://macleans.ca/news/canada/the-making-of-jack-layton/ |access-date=29 September 2023 |work=[[Maclean's]] |date=17 June 2011}}</ref> During his time spent at McGill, Layton's view on politics had been greatly influenced by professor,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Geddes |first1=John |title=The real Jack Layton |url=https://macleans.ca/news/canada/the-real-jack/ |access-date=29 September 2023 |work=[[Maclean's]] |date=2 September 2011}}</ref> philosopher and mentor [[Charles Taylor (philosopher)|Charles Taylor]],<ref>{{cite news |title=NDP choose Craig Scott for Toronto-Danforth |url=https://www.cp24.com/ndp-choose-craig-scott-for-toronto-danforth-1.751255 |access-date=29 September 2023 |work=[[CP24]] |agency=[[The Canadian Press]] |date=10 January 2012 |language=en}}</ref> so much so that he decided to switch his major from science to arts. Moreover, it was on Taylor's advice that he pursued his studies in Toronto, in order to study under the students of political philosopher [[C. B. Macpherson]] at York University.<ref name="Canadian-Idealism">{{cite web |last1=Layton |first1=Jack |title=Canadian Idealism: An excerpt |url=https://reviewcanada.ca/magazine/2011/10/canadian-idealism/ |website=[[Literary Review of Canada]] |date=October 2011 |access-date=29 September 2023}}</ref> Layton followed [[pacifism]] and participated in [[Opposition to United States involvement in the Vietnam War|anti-Vietnam War]] demonstrations.<ref name="Citizen2011">{{cite news |last1=Johnson |first1=William |title=How Jack Layton courted Bloc voters |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-ottawa-citizen/145266186/ |access-date=13 April 2024 |work=[[The Ottawa Citizen]] |date=28 April 2011 |page=15 |language=en}}</ref>

In a foreword Layton wrote for ''Canadian Idealism and the Philosophy of Freedom'', he explains, "The idealist current holds that human society has the potential to achieve liberty when people work together to form a society in which equality means more than negative liberty, the absolute and protected right to run races against each other to determine winners. Idealists imagine a positive liberty that enables us to build together toward common objectives that fulfil and even surpass our individual goals."<ref>Meynell, Robert. ''Canadian Idealism and the Philosophy of Freedom''. Montreal-Kingston: McGill-Queen's University Press, 2011, xi–xii.</ref> Upon reading ''Canadian Idealism and the Philosophy of Freedom'', Layton came to understand himself as part of the intellectual tradition of [[Canadian idealism|Canadian idealists]].<ref name="Canadian-Idealism"/>

In 1970, Layton joined the [[New Democratic Party]],<ref>{{cite news |title=What do you need to know about the men who want to be prime minister |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-vancouver-sun/145268105/ |access-date=13 April 2024 |work=[[The Vancouver Sun]] |date=2 June 2004 |page=7 |language=en}}</ref> and would later cite his influence being from [[Tommy Douglas]] voicing opposition to the imposition of the ''[[War Measures Act]]'' during the 1970 [[October Crisis]].<ref name="Citizen2011"/> He also moved to Toronto to attend [[York University]],<ref name="ValpyObit">{{cite news |last1=Valpy |first1=Michael |author-link=Michael Valpy |title=Jack Layton brought inspirational politics to a cynical age |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/jack-layton-brought-inspirational-politics-to-a-cynical-age/article591410/ |access-date=June 7, 2024 |work=[[The Globe and Mail]] |date=August 22, 2011 |language=en-CA}}</ref> where he received his [[Master of Arts]] (MA) in political science in 1972; he would also later receive his [[Doctor of Philosophy]] (PhD) in political science there in 1983 under the supervision of David Bell.{{efn|Sources state that he received his MA in either 1971<ref>{{cite web |last1=Whitehorn |first1=Alan |title=Jack Layton |url=https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/jack-layton |website=[[The Canadian Encyclopedia]] |access-date=June 7, 2024 |language=en |date=January 3, 2012}}</ref><ref name="CanadianPress-2003">{{cite news |title=A sketch of federal NDP leadership candidate Jack Layton |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/359547954 |access-date=June 7, 2024 |work=[[The Canadian Press]] |date=January 22, 2003|id={{ProQuest|359547954}} }}</ref> or 1972,<ref name="Brittanica"/> and his PhD in either 1983<ref name="Brittanica"/><ref name="CanadianPress-2003"/> or 1984.<ref>{{cite news |title=Profile: Jack Layton, the NDP fighter |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/profile-jack-layton-the-ndp-fighter-1.1039834 |access-date=June 7, 2024 |work=[[CBC News]] |date=July 25, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Profile: New Democratic Party leader Jack Layton |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-13217730 |access-date=June 7, 2024 |work=[[BBC]] |date=April 29, 2011}}</ref> According to York University, he received his MA in 1972 and his PhD in 1983.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Tancock |first1=Martha |title=Jack Layton made his political entrée at York |url=https://www.yorku.ca/research/category/news/2011/08/jack-layton-made-his-political-entree-at-york/ |access-date=June 7, 2024 |work=[[York University]] |date=August 23, 2011 |language=en-CA |archive-date=February 8, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250208214556/https://www.yorku.ca/research/category/news/2011/08/jack-layton-made-his-political-entree-at-york/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=The making of Jack Layton |url=https://www.yorku.ca/yfile/2011/06/24/the-making-of-jack-layton/ |website=York University |access-date=June 17, 2025 |language=en |date=June 24, 2011}}</ref>}} In 1974, Layton began his academic career as an educator at Ryerson Polytechnical Institute (now [[Toronto Metropolitan University]]),<ref name="Times-Bio"/> where he taught political science.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hayes |first1=David R. |title=A new star rising over left field |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/386627028 |access-date=June 7, 2024 |work=[[The Globe and Mail]] |date=January 8, 1983|id={{ProQuest|386627028}} }}</ref> He also spent time working at York and, from 1978 to 1994, worked at the University of Toronto as an [[adjunct professor]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Layton, Jack – TMU Archives and Special Collections |url=https://archives.library.torontomu.ca/index.php/layton-jack-gilbert-july-18-1950-august-22-2011 |website=[[Toronto Metropolitan University]] |access-date=June 7, 2024}}</ref> He also became a prominent activist for a variety of causes. He wrote several books, including ''Homelessness: The Making and Unmaking of a Crisis'' and a book on general public policy, ''Speaking Out''.<ref name="ValpyObit"/>

==Municipal politics==
While at York and Ryerson, Layton developed close ties with a number of Toronto political figures including [[John Sewell]] and [[David Crombie]]. He was first elected to [[Toronto City Council]] during the [[1982 Toronto municipal election|1982 municipal election]], in a surprise upset against incumbent [[Gordon Chong]] as an [[underdog]]. Layton quickly became one of the council's most outspoken members and a leading figure on the left.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hayes |first1=David R. |title=A new star rising over left field |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/386627028 |access-date=June 14, 2024 |work=[[The Globe and Mail]] |date=January 8, 1983 |id={{ProQuest|386627028}} |language=en }}</ref> He was one of the most vocal opponents of the massive [[SkyDome]] project,<ref>{{cite news |last1=MacLeod |first1=Robert |title=Layton urges SkyDome inquiry |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/385571439 |access-date=June 14, 2024 |work=[[The Globe and Mail]] |date=September 12, 1991 |id={{ProQuest|385571439}} }}</ref> and an early advocate for rights for AIDS patients.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Monsebraaten |first1=Laurie |title=Alderman proposes $2.1 million AIDS team |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/435569953 |access-date=June 14, 2024 |work=[[Toronto Star]] |date=May 6, 1987 |page=A6 |id={{ProQuest|435569953}} }}</ref> In 1984, Layton was fined for trespassing after distributing leaflets at the [[Toronto Eaton Centre]] during a strike by [[Eaton's]] employees, but the charge was later dismissed on free speech grounds.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Spears |first1=Tom |title=Alderman wins appeal for handing out leaflets at Eaton's during strike |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/435432906 |access-date=June 14, 2024 |work=[[Toronto Star]] |date=May 27, 1986 |page=A18 |id={{ProQuest|435432906}} }}</ref> He was also one of the few opponents of Toronto's bid to host the [[1996 Summer Olympics]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=James |first1=Royson |title=Failure pinned on Jack Layton, poverty group |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/436273311 |access-date=June 14, 2024 |work=[[Toronto Star]] |date=September 19, 1990 |page=A3 |id={{ProQuest|436273311}} }}</ref> In 1985, Layton moved to the Metropolitan Toronto Council, in the first direct elections for members of that body.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Smith |first1=Michael |title=Toronto Aldermen gearing up for first direct Metro election |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/435312560 |access-date=June 14, 2024 |work=[[Toronto Star]] |date=July 16, 1985 |page=A6 |id={{ProQuest|435312560}} }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Layton proved right |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/386216144 |access-date=June 14, 2024 |work=[[The Globe and Mail]] |date=November 13, 1985 |page=A17 |id={{ProQuest|386216144}}}}</ref> During the [[1988 Toronto municipal election|1988 municipal election]]s, Layton swapped roles with his ally [[Dale Martin (Canadian politician)|Dale Martin]], with Martin moving to Metro and Layton returning to Toronto City Council.{{cn|date=October 2024}} Layton won comfortably against former high school teacher Lois MacMillan-Walker.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kerr |first1=Tom |title=Eggleton wins, council tilts left 'Reform' wave swamps veterans Beavis and Gee |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/435802003 |access-date=October 15, 2024 |work=[[Toronto Star]] |date=November 15, 1988 |page=B1|id={{ProQuest|435802003}} }}</ref> The election was a major victory for Layton as the reformist coalition of which he was the ''de facto'' head gained control of city council, the first time in city history a coalition of New Democrats and independents controlled council.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Monsebraaten |first1=Laurie |title=Reformers on coucnil seek Toronto's 'rebirth' |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/435807319 |access-date=June 14, 2024 |work=[[Toronto Star]] |date=November 19, 1988 |page=D1 |id={{ProQuest|435807319}} }}</ref>

On July 9, 1988, he married Hong Kong-born [[Toronto District School Board]] trustee [[Olivia Chow]] in a ceremony on [[Toronto Islands|Algonquin Island]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Spears |first1=Tom |title=Busy trustee keeps to a hectic schedule |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/435752931 |access-date=June 14, 2024 |work=[[Toronto Star]] |date=July 10, 1988 |page=A10 |id={{ProQuest|435752931}} }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.postcity.com/Post-City-Magazines/May-2010/The-biggest-fight-of-their-marriage|first=Elizabeth|last=Beddall|title=The biggest fight of their marriage |publisher=Post City Magazines|date=May 2010|access-date=May 2, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120403172049/http://www.postcity.com/Post-City-Magazines/May-2010/The-biggest-fight-of-their-marriage/ |archive-date=April 3, 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Their whitewater rafting honeymoon plans had to be abandoned, however, when days before the wedding Layton collided with a newspaper box while bicycling.<ref>{{cite news |title=Layton sues for bike mishap that 'ruined' his honeymoon |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/435760248 |access-date=June 14, 2024 |work=[[Toronto Star]] |date=July 5, 1988 |page=A7 |id={{ProQuest|435760248}} }}</ref> Chow later joined Layton on the Toronto City Council. She has been a candidate for the federal New Democrats five times, first winning her seat the third time in a close race against [[Tony Ianno]] in the 2006 Canadian election, and re-elected in 2008 and 2011. Chow resigned from federal politics in 2014 to [[2014 Toronto mayoral election|run for mayor of Toronto]]; she placed third. Chow would later be elected mayor in the [[2023 Toronto mayoral by-election|2023 mayoral by-election]].

Layton and Chow were also the subject of some dispute when a June 14, 1990, ''[[Toronto Star]]'' article by Tom Kerr accused them of unfairly living in a [[housing cooperative]] subsidized by the [[Government of Canada|federal government]], despite their high income.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kerr |first1=Tom |title=Well-to-do Layton lives in 'affordable' co-op |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-toronto-star/149340144/ |access-date=June 14, 2024 |work=[[Toronto Star]] |date=June 14, 1990 |page=A1 |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Kerr |first1=Tom |title=Layton lives in low-rent co-op |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-toronto-star/149340258/ |access-date=June 14, 2024 |work=[[Toronto Star]] |date=June 14, 1990 |page=A30 |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> Layton and Chow had both lived in the Hazelburn co-op since 1985, and lived together in an $800 per month three-bedroom apartment after their marriage in 1988. By 1990, their combined annual income was $120,000, and in March of that year they began voluntarily paying an additional $325 per month to offset their share of the co-op's [[Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation]] subsidy, the only members of the co-op to do so. In response to the article, the co-op's board argued that having mixed-income tenants was crucial to the success of co-ops, and that the laws deliberately set aside apartments for those willing to pay market rates, such as Layton and Chow.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kerr |first1=Tom |title=Co-op residents answer critics |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/436242510 |access-date=June 14, 2024 |work=[[Toronto Star]] |date=July 19, 1990 |page=A21 |id={{ProQuest|436242510}} }}</ref> During the late 1980s and early 1990s they maintained approximately 30% of their units as low income units and provided the rest at what they considered market rent. In June 1990, the city solicitor cleared the couple of any wrongdoing,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Polanyi |first1=Margaret |title=Layton cleared of wrongdoing Police say councillor committed no impropriety by living in co-op |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/385617456 |access-date=June 14, 2024 |work=[[The Globe and Mail]] |date=August 17, 1990 |page=A8 |id={{ProQuest|385617456}} }}</ref> and later that month, Layton and Chow left the co-op and bought a house in [[Chinatown, Toronto|Toronto's Chinatown]] together with Chow's mother, a move they said had been planned for some time.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Duffy |first1=Andrew |title=Layton says he's moving from co-op |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/436229892 |access-date=June 14, 2024 |work=[[Toronto Star]] |date=June 24, 1990 |page=A3 |id={{ProQuest|436229892}} }}</ref> Former Toronto mayor John Sewell later wrote in ''[[Now (newspaper)|NOW]]'' that rival Toronto city councillor [[Tom Jakobek]] had given the story to Tom Kerr.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wolfe |first1=Morris |title=Sensational tabloids are enticing a suspicious public |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/385446339 |access-date=June 14, 2024 |work=[[The Globe and Mail]] |date=February 4, 1992 |page=D1 |id={{ProQuest|385446339}} }}</ref>

Originally known for coming to council meetings in blue jeans with unkempt hair, Layton worked to change his image to run for mayor in the [[1991 Toronto municipal election|1991 civic election]]. He also started wearing contact lenses, abandoning his glasses, and traded in his blue jeans for suits.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Byers |first1=Jim |title=Jack Layton's trim new look triggers rumor mill at city hall |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/435557253 |access-date=June 14, 2024 |work=[[Toronto Star]] |date=February 5, 1987 |page=A6 |id={{ProQuest|435557253}} }}</ref> In February 1991, Layton became the first official NDP candidate for the mayoralty, pitting him against centrist incumbent [[Art Eggleton]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lewis |first1=David |title=Councillor Jack Layton's campaign to become mayor of Toronto is going to be such a high powered affair I suspect Layton could well defeat Arthur Eggleton this coming November. |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/436359094 |access-date=June 14, 2024 |work=[[Toronto Star]] |date=February 6, 1991 |page=A25 |id={{ProQuest|436359094}} }}</ref> In a move that surprised many, Eggleton elected not to run again.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kerr |first1=Tom |title=Eggleton out of race for mayor |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/436410375 |access-date=June 14, 2024 |work=[[Toronto Star]] |date=May 2, 1991 |page=A1 |id={{ProQuest|436410375}}}}</ref>

Layton was opposed by three right-of-centre candidates: [[Susan Fish]], [[June Rowlands]], and [[Betty Disero]]. Right-wing support soon coalesced around former city councillor Rowlands, preventing the internal divisions Layton needed to win office.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Byers |first1=Jim |title=Rowlands leads by 2-1 margin But 55% want more choice for mayor, Star poll shows |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/436521875 |access-date=June 14, 2024 |work=[[Toronto Star]] |date=November 9, 1991 |page=A1 |id={{ProQuest|436521875}} }}</ref> Layton was also hurt by the growing unpopularity of the provincial NDP government of [[Bob Rae]],<ref>{{cite news |last1=MacLeod |first1=Robert |title=Rae's misfortunes called drag on Layton Toronto mayoral candidate running under NDP banner |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/385618615 |access-date=June 14, 2024 |work=[[The Globe and Mail]] |date=June 15, 1991 |page=A7 |id={{ProQuest|385618615}}}}</ref> and by his earlier opposition to [[Bids for the 1996 Summer Olympics|Toronto's Olympic bid]]. Bid organizer [[Paul Henderson (sailor)|Paul Henderson]] accused Layton and his allies of costing Toronto the event.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Byers |first1=Jim |title=Guide to the real winners, losers Apparent victories are defeats in topsy-turvy world of politics |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/436517231 |access-date=June 14, 2024 |work=[[Toronto Star]] |date=November 15, 1991 |page=A12 |id={{ProQuest|436517231}} }}</ref> Despite this, October polls showed Layton only four points behind Rowlands, with 36% support.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Byers |first1=Jim |title=Rowlands just ahead of Layton, Star poll finds |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/436499703 |access-date=June 14, 2024 |work=[[Toronto Star]] |date=October 10, 1991 |page=A1 |id={{ProQuest|436499703}} }}</ref> However, on October 17, Fish, a former provincial Progressive Conservative cabinet minister who had only 19% support, pulled out of the race, and many of her supporters moved to Rowlands. Layton lost the November 12 election by a considerable margin.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Byers |first1=Jim |title=Layton beaten by Rowlands in all but one of 16 wards |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/436514888 |access-date=June 14, 2024 |work=[[Toronto Star]] |date=November 21, 1991 |page=A7 |id={{ProQuest|436514888}} }}</ref> However, in the same election Olivia Chow easily won a seat on city council.

In November 1991, Layton co-founded the [[White Ribbon Campaign]] of men working to end male [[violence against women]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Caplan |first1=Gerald |author1-link=Gerald Caplan |title=Violence against women: an international epidemic |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/2385627608 |access-date=June 14, 2024 |work=[[The Globe and Mail]] |date=July 30, 2010 |id={{ProQuest|2385627608}} }}</ref> Layton returned to academia and also founded the Green Catalyst Group Inc., an environmental consulting business.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lakey |first1=Jack |title=The mellowing of Jack Layton |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/437882349 |access-date=June 14, 2024 |work=[[Toronto Star]] |date=January 4, 1999 |page=1 |id={{ProQuest|437882349}} }}</ref> In 1993, he ran for the [[House of Commons of Canada|House of Commons]] in the riding of [[Toronto Centre (federal electoral district)|Rosedale]] for the NDP, but finished fourth in the generally Liberal riding. In 1994, he returned to Metropolitan Toronto Council, succeeding Roger Hollander in the Don River ward, and he resumed his high-profile role in local politics; following the "megacity" merger of Metropolitan Toronto into the current city of Toronto, he was again re-elected to Toronto City Council, serving alongside [[Pam McConnell]] in a two-member ward. He remained on Toronto City Council until pursuing the leadership of the federal New Democrats. He also came to national attention as the leader of the [[Federation of Canadian Municipalities]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Layton launches bid to lead NDP |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-province/149341364/ |access-date=June 14, 2024 |work=[[The Province]] |agency=[[The Canadian Press]] |date=July 23, 2002 |location=Ottawa |page=A22 |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> Federally, he ran again in the [[1997 Canadian federal election|1997 election]], this time in the neighbouring riding of [[Toronto—Danforth (federal electoral district)|Toronto—Danforth]], but lost to incumbent [[Dennis Mills]] by a wide margin. In June 1999, as chair of Toronto's environmental task force, the Toronto Atmospheric Fund, he was instrumental in the preliminary phases of the [[WindShare]] [[wind power]] [[cooperative]] in Toronto through the Toronto Renewable Energy Co-operative.<ref>{{cite news |last1=McAndrew |first1=Brian |title=Hydro backs waterfront windmill plan |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/437980342 |access-date=June 14, 2024 |work=[[Toronto Star]] |date=July 1, 1999 |page=1 |id={{ProQuest|437980342}} }}</ref>

==Leader of the New Democratic Party==
{{Democratic socialism in Canada|Politicians}}
Layton was elected leader of the NDP at the [[2003 New Democratic Party leadership election|party's leadership convention]] in Toronto, on January 25, 2003. Layton won on the first ballot with 53.5% of the vote, defeating [[Bill Blaikie]], [[Lorne Nystrom]], [[Joe Comartin]] and [[Pierre Ducasse (politician)|Pierre Ducasse]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Haight |first1=Lana |title=Layton surprises locals: Supporters 'blown away' by win over Blaikie, Nystrom |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/348746214 |access-date=June 14, 2024 |work=[[Star-Phoenix]] |date=January 27, 2003 |page=A1 |id={{ProQuest|348746214}} }}</ref> His campaign was focused on the need to reinvigorate the party, and was prominently endorsed by former NDP leader [[Ed Broadbent]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Broadbent backs Toronto city councillor as NDP chief |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-colonist/149341804/ |access-date=June 14, 2024 |work=[[Times Colonist]] |agency=[[The Canadian Press]] |date=November 28, 2002 |page=A7 |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref>

Layton did not seek election to the House of Commons by running in a by-election, as is the tradition among new party leaders without a seat. Instead, he waited until the 2004 federal election to contest the riding of Toronto—Danforth against Liberal Dennis Mills. With no seat in the House of Commons, he appointed the runner-up, longtime Winnipeg-area MP Bill Blaikie, as parliamentary leader.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Paraskevas |first1=Joe |title=NDP leader goes after Grits on Day One |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/348849838 |access-date=June 14, 2024 |work=[[Sudbury Star]] |date=January 28, 2003 |page=A8 |id={{ProQuest|348849838}} }}</ref> Although he had no parliamentary seat, Layton was noted for drawing considerable attention from the Canadian mass media.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Goar |first1=Carol |author1-link=Carol Goar |title=He makes it look too effortless |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/438655307 |access-date=October 11, 2024 |work=[[Toronto Star]] |date=November 5, 2003 |page=A26|id={{ProQuest|438655307}} }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Curry |first1=Bill |title=NDP's Layton accused of hogging the microphones |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/national-post/156910718/ |access-date=October 11, 2024 |work=[[National Post]] |date=February 25, 2003 |page=11}}</ref> Much of his rhetoric involved attacking the policies of then Canadian [[Prime Minister of Canada|Prime Minister]] Paul Martin as conservative, and arguing the ideology of the Liberal Party of Canada had shifted in a more right wing direction. Another focus of Layton's leadership was to focus the party's efforts on Quebec, one of the party's weaker provinces.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Chung |first1=Andrew |title=Quebec a difficult hill for NDP to climb |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/438593990 |access-date=October 11, 2024 |work=[[Toronto Star]] |date=April 26, 2003 |page=E02|id={{ProQuest|438593990}} }}</ref> One of his opponents in the leadership race, [[Pierre Ducasse (politician)|Pierre Ducasse]], was the first [[French Canadian|Québécois]] to run for leader of the NDP. After the race, Layton appointed Ducasse as his Quebec lieutenant and party spokesperson.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Curry |first1=Bill |title=NDP counting on Ducasse: Popular Quebecer To Run In Manicouagan |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-gazette/156910834/ |access-date=October 11, 2024 |work=[[The Gazette (Montreal)|The Gazette]] |agency=[[Canwest]] |date=January 5, 2004 |page=8}}</ref>

The result of Layton's efforts was a strong increase in the party's support. By the end of 2003, the party was polling higher than both the [[Canadian Alliance]] or the Progressive Conservatives<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lunman |first1=Kim |title=NDP inching past conservatives, poll indicates |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/ndp-inching-past-conservatives-poll-indicates/article20453213/ |access-date=October 11, 2024 |work=[[The Globe and Mail]] |date=December 5, 2003}}</ref> and it was even suggested that the next election could see the NDP in place as [[Official Opposition (Canada)|Official Opposition]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Canton |first1=Maria |title=NDP official opposition possible, predicts prof |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/calgary-herald/156910985/ |access-date=October 11, 2024 |work=[[Calgary Herald]] |date=November 16, 2003 |page=8}}</ref>

===2004 election===
{{see also|Homelessness in Canada}}
During the [[2004 Canadian federal election]], controversy erupted over Layton's accusation that Liberal Prime Minister Paul Martin was responsible for the deaths of homeless people because he failed to provide funding for affordable housing.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Aubry |first1=Jack |title=Layton's line starts a storm |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-colonist/156911079/ |access-date=October 11, 2024 |work=[[Times Colonist]] |date=May 28, 2004 |page=4}}</ref> While rates of homelessness and homeless deaths increased during the eleven years of Liberal government, the link to Martin's decisions was indirect as affordable housing is a mainly provincial jurisdiction.<ref>Murphy, Barbara. ''On the street: how we created the homeless.'' Winnipeg: J. Gordon Shillingford, c2000.</ref> Layton's charge was defended by some, including the ''[[Ottawa Citizen]]'',<ref>{{cite news |last1=Coyne |first1=Andrew |title=Layton's charge is out of order |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/330330016 |access-date=October 11, 2024 |work=[[National Post]] |date=May 29, 2004 |page=A22|id={{ProQuest|330330016}} }}</ref> but most attacked it as inaccurate and [[negative campaigning]]. Moreover, the controversy consumed the campaign, overshadowing policy announcements over the next week.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Curry |first1=Bill |title=Layton drops from radar during Week 2 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-phoenix/156911289/ |access-date=October 11, 2024 |work=[[The StarPhoenix]] |agency=[[Canwest]] |date=June 5, 2004 |page=A13}}</ref>

Further controversy followed as Layton suggested the removal of the ''[[Clarity Act]]'', considered by some to be vital to keeping Quebec in Canada and by others as undemocratic, and promised to recognize any declaration of independence by Quebec after a referendum.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Chase |first1=Steven |title=Layton would axe Clarity Act |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/layton-would-axe-clarity-act/article999528/ |access-date=October 11, 2024 |work=[[The Globe and Mail]] |date=May 29, 2004}}</ref> This position was not part of the NDP's official party policy, leading some high-profile party members, such as NDP [[House Leader]] Bill Blaikie and former NDP leader [[Alexa McDonough]], to publicly indicate that they did not share Layton's views. His position on the ''Clarity Act'' was reversed in the 2006 election to one of support.<ref>{{cite news |title=Layton reverses course on Clarity Act |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-times-transcript/156911825/ |access-date=October 11, 2024 |work=[[Times & Transcript]] |agency=[[The Canadian Press]] |date=December 8, 2005 |page=5}}</ref>

Layton also continued his effort to improve his party's standing in Quebec. The NDP ran French-language ads in the province and Layton, who spoke colloquial [[Quebec French|Québécois French]], appeared in them.{{citation needed|date=October 2024}} As early as his leadership campaign,<ref>{{cite news |title=Layton would push for proportional representation |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/356308406 |access-date=October 15, 2024 |work=[[The Record (Sherbrooke)|The Record]] |date=January 6, 2003 |page=2|id={{ProQuest|356308406}} }}</ref> Layton advocated for [[electoral reform]],<ref>{{cite news |title=Layton renews call for electoral reform |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/layton-renews-call-for-electoral-reform-1.466253 |access-date=October 15, 2024 |work=[[CBC News]] |date=June 29, 2004}}</ref> calling for a referendum to replace the [[First-past-the-post voting|first-past-the-post]] system with [[proportional representation]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Champion-Smith |first1=Bruce |title=Making it count; The June 28 vote has amplified calls for reforming Canada's electoral system Some say proportional representation's the answer |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/438727580 |access-date=October 15, 2024 |work=[[Toronto Star]] |date=July 10, 2004 |page=H01|id={{ProQuest|438727580}} }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Opponents of first-past-the-post system growing in numbers |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/358500073 |access-date=October 15, 2024 |work=[[Kamloops Daily News]] |agency=[[The Canadian Press]] |date=June 30, 2004 |page=C9| id={{ProQuest|358500073}} }}</ref> He threatened to use the NDP's clout in the event of a minority government. However, it was dismissed out of hand by the Liberal and [[Bloc Québécois]] leaders, as they tend to be favoured by the first-past-the-post system, normally being allocated a greater proportion of seats than the proportion of votes cast for them. Historically, the NDP's popular vote does not translate into a proportional number of seats because of scattered support. This was most opposed by the Bloc Québécois, who usually had the lowest popular vote but nonetheless won many seats because their support was concentrated in Quebec. Despite these problems, Layton led the NDP to a 15% popular vote, its highest in 16 years. However, it only won 19 seats in the House of Commons, two less than the 21 won under Alexa McDonough in 1997, and far short of the 40 that Layton predicted on the eve of the election. However, some potential NDP voters may have voted Liberal to prevent a possible Conservative win. Olivia Chow and several other prominent Toronto NDP candidates lost tight races and Layton won his own seat against incumbent Liberal Dennis Mills by a much narrower margin than early polls indicated.{{citation needed|date=August 2011}}

===38th Canadian Parliament===
[[File:Layton1.JPG|right|thumb|Layton speaks at an NDP rally in Courtenay, British Columbia, in 2006]]
With the ruling Liberal Party being reduced to a minority government, revelations of the [[sponsorship scandal]] damaging its popularity to the point where both the Conservative Party and the Bloc Québécois were pressing their advantage for a [[snap election]], the prime minister approached the NDP for its support. Layton demanded the cancellation of proposed [[corporate tax]] cuts and called for an increase in social spending. The ensuing compromise in the NDP's favour was protested by the other opposition parties who used it as a pretext to force a [[Motion of no confidence|non-confidence vote]]. On May 19, two such votes were defeated and Layton's amendments went on to be passed on its final reading vote on June 23. As a result of this political coup and his apparent civil behaviour in a spitefully raucous parliament, many political analysts noted that Layton gained increased credibility as an effective leader of an important party, becoming the major second choice leader in many political polls – for example, polling second in Quebec after [[Gilles Duceppe]], despite the low polls for his party as a whole in the province.{{citation needed|date=August 2011}}

In mid-November 2005, when Liberal support dropped after the [[Gomery Commission]] delivered its first report, Layton offered the prime minister several conditions in return for the NDP's continued support, most notably on the issue of [[privatization]] of [[health care in Canada]], where Layton wanted strict provisions for controlling public spending on private health care delivery, saying that without "significant action" on the issue, "Mr. Martin can't count on our support." Martin for his part offered no comment on a meeting held to discuss the issue, only saying that it was a "good meeting", while Layton publicly expressed his disappointment at the outcome.<ref>{{cite news |title=PM in denial over privatization of health care: Layton |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/pm-in-denial-over-privatization-of-health-care-layton-1.549664 |access-date=October 11, 2024 |work=[[CBC News]] |date=October 25, 2005}}</ref> Layton announced he would introduce a motion requesting a February election. However, the Martin government refused to allow the election date to be decided by the opposition. A motion of non-confidence followed, moved by Stephen Harper and seconded by Layton, triggering the 2006 federal election. Layton was working with the Liberal government, but determined he would have a better chance of electoral success by voting against the government and having an election.{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}

====Coalition attempt with the Bloc Québécois and the Conservatives====
On March 26, 2011, in response to Harper's allegations that a coalition is not a legitimate or principled way to form government, Duceppe stated that Harper had once tried to form a [[coalition government]] with the Bloc Québécois and NDP.<ref>{{cite news|last=Payton|first=Laura|title=Harper wanted 2004 coalition: Duceppe|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/harper-wanted-2004-coalition-duceppe-1.1118390|access-date=March 26, 2011|newspaper=[[CBC News]]|date=March 26, 2011}}</ref> In 2004 Stephen Harper privately met with [[Bloc Québécois]] leader [[Gilles Duceppe]] and Layton in a Montreal hotel. The meeting that took place between the three party leaders happened two months before the federal election.<ref name=gazetteCoalition/> On September 9, 2004, the three signed a letter addressed to then-[[Governor General of Canada|Governor General]] [[Adrienne Clarkson]], stating,
{{Blockquote|We respectfully point out that the opposition parties, who together constitute a majority in the House, have been in close consultation. We believe that, should a request for dissolution arise, this should give you cause, as constitutional practice has determined, to consult the opposition leaders and consider all of your options before exercising your constitutional authority.<ref name=gazetteCoalition>{{cite news|title=Harper, Layton, Duceppe sought 'co-opposition' in 2004 letter to GG |url=http://www.canada.com/news/Harper+Layton+Duceppe+sought+opposition+2004+letter/4511865/story.html#ixzz1Htw6yDVP |newspaper=[[The Gazette (Montreal)|Montreal Gazette]] |date=March 27, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110401200203/http://www.canada.com/news/Harper%2BLayton%2BDuceppe%2Bsought%2Bopposition%2B2004%2Bletter/4511865/story.html |archive-date=April 1, 2011 }}</ref>}}

On the same day the letter was written, the three party leaders held a joint press conference at which they expressed their intent to co-operate on changing parliamentary rules, and to request that the governor general consult with them before deciding to call an election.<ref name=Harpercoalition>{{cite news|last=Chung|first=Andrew|title=Bloc leader accuses Harper of lying about coalition|url=https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/bloc-leader-accuses-harper-of-lying-about-coalition/article_cb3fc9b6-a13a-5add-a731-784edca4d4ad.html|access-date=March 27, 2011|newspaper=[[Toronto Star]]|date=March 26, 2011}}</ref> At the news conference, Harper said "It is the Parliament that's supposed to run the country, not just the largest party and the single leader of that party. That's a criticism I've had and that we've had and that most Canadians have had for a long, long time now so this is an opportunity to start to change that." However, at the time, Harper and the two other opposition leaders denied trying to form a [[coalition government]].<ref name=gazetteCoalition/> Harper said, "This is not a coalition, but this is a co-operative effort."<ref name=Harpercoalition/>

One month later, on October 4, [[Mike Duffy]], now a Conservative senator (appointed by Harper), said "It is possible that you could change prime minister without having an election", and that some Conservatives wanted Harper as prime minister. The next day Layton walked out on talks with Harper and Duceppe, accusing them of trying to replace [[Paul Martin]] with Harper as prime minister. Both Bloc and Conservative officials denied Layton's accusations.<ref name=gazetteCoalition/>

===2006 election===
[[File:Jacklaytonoutside.jpg|right|thumb|In a [[media scrum]] during the 2006 winter election campaign]]
With a vote scheduled for [[2006 Canadian federal election|January 23, 2006]], many New Democrats expected Layton to deliver substantially more seats than he did in 2004. They hoped the NDP would hold the balance of power in a new minority Parliament, so that they could carry additional leverage in negotiating with the governing party.{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}} Mike Klander, the executive vice-president of the federal Liberals' Ontario wing, resigned after making posts on his blog comparing Chow to a [[Chow Chow]] dog and calling Layton an "[[asshole]]".<ref>{{cite news |title=Liberal exec quits over his blog remarks about NDPers |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/liberal-exec-quits-over-his-blog-remarks-about-ndpers-1.545740 |access-date=October 11, 2024 |work=[[CBC News]] |date=December 26, 2005}}</ref>

Through the course of the campaign, Layton attempted to cast himself as the sole remaining champion of [[universal health care]]. Some opinion polls showed that Canadians found Layton the most appealing and charismatic of the leaders. Layton repeatedly insisted that "Canadians have a third choice", and urged Liberals to "lend us your vote". Some commentators and pundits mocked Layton for over-using these catchphrases instead of explaining the NDP platform.{{Citation needed|date=August 2011}}

The NDP strategy had changed in that they were focusing their attacks on the Liberals rather than in 2004, where they criticized both the Liberals and Conservatives in equal measure, prompting some criticism from Paul Martin.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20061014201106/http://www.cbc.ca/news/story/2006/01/17/martin-layton.html Martin attacks Layton for not attacking Harper] January 17, 2006.</ref> [[Andrew Coyne]] suggested that the NDP not only wanted to disassociate themselves from the scandal-ridden Liberals, but also because the Liberals were likely to receive credit for legislation achieved under the Liberal-NDP partnership. The NDP had also lost close races in the 2004 election due to the Liberals' strategic voting. Early in the campaign, NDP MP [[Judy Wasylycia-Leis]] had asked the [[Royal Canadian Mounted Police]] (RCMP) to launch a criminal investigation into the leaking of the income trust announcement.<ref>[https://archive.today/20060302162201/http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20060121/election_turningpoints_060121?s_name=election2006&no_ads= Income trust a major campaign turning point] CTV News. January 22, 2006. {{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> The criminal probe seriously damaged the Liberal campaign and preventing them from making their key policy announcements, as well as bringing alleged Liberal corruption back into the spotlight.

Layton's campaign direction also caused a break between him and [[Canadian Auto Workers]] union head [[Buzz Hargrove]] over the issue of [[Tactical voting|strategic voting]]. Hargrove preferred a Liberal minority government supported by the NDP and he had earlier criticized Layton for participating in the motion of non-confidence that brought down the Liberal government. Hargrove allied with the Liberals and publicly stated that he "did not like the campaign that Jack Layton was running", criticizing Layton for "spending too much time attacking the Liberals". During the final week of the campaign, knowing that last-minute strategic voting had cost the NDP seats in several close ridings during the 2004 election,<ref name="StrategicVote 2004">{{cite news|last=Brennan|first=Richard|title=Liberals stem Conservative tide|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/thestar/access/974828621.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Jan+24%2C+2006&author=Richard+Brennan&pub=Toronto+Star&edition=&startpage=A.04&desc=Liberals+stem+Conservative+tide|access-date=August 26, 2011|newspaper=The Toronto Star|date=January 24, 2006|location=Toronto|page=A4|archive-date=November 5, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105043113/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/thestar/access/974828621.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Jan+24%2C+2006&author=Richard+Brennan&pub=Toronto+Star&edition=&startpage=A.04&desc=Liberals+stem+Conservative+tide|url-status=dead}}</ref> Hargrove and Martin urged all progressive voters to unite behind the Liberal banner to stop a Conservative government.<ref name=Martinpleads4vote>{{cite news|last=Whittington|first=Wes|title=Don't let Tories tear Canada apart Martin; PM in last-ditch plea to voters Says final outcome will hinge on B.C.|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/thestar/access/974196541.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Jan+23%2C+2006&author=Les+Whittington&pub=Toronto+Star&edition=&startpage=A.06&desc=Don%27t+let+Tories+tear+Canada+apart+Martin%3B+PM+in+last-ditch+plea+to+voters+Says+final+outcome+will+hinge+on+B.C|access-date=August 26, 2006|newspaper=The Toronto Star|date=January 23, 2006|location=Toronto|page=A6|archive-date=November 5, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105043121/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/thestar/access/974196541.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Jan+23%2C+2006&author=Les+Whittington&pub=Toronto+Star&edition=&startpage=A.06&desc=Don%27t+let+Tories+tear+Canada+apart+Martin%3B+PM+in+last-ditch+plea+to+voters+Says+final+outcome+will+hinge+on+B.C.|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Layton intensified his attacks on the Liberal scandals, pledging to use his minority clout to keep the Conservatives in check. Shortly after the election, the Ontario provincial branch of the NDP revoked Hargrove's party membership because he had violated the party's constitution by campaigning for other parties during an election campaign, though Layton disagreed with this. Hargrove retaliated by severing ties with the NDP at the annual CAW convention. The election increased the NDP's total seats to 29 seats, up from 18 before dissolution.<ref name=2006results/> Among the new NDP candidates elected was Olivia Chow, making the two only the second husband-and-wife team in Canadian Parliament history ([[Gurmant Grewal]] and [[Nina Grewal]] were the first husband-and-wife team in Canadian Parliament after the 2004 federal election). In the end, the NDP succeeded in increasing their parliamentary representation to 29 MPs, though they had significantly fewer seats than the Bloc Québécois (51) or the Opposition Liberals (103).<ref name=2006results>{{cite news|last=Delecourt|first=Susan|title=CON124 36.5% POP Vote LIB 103 30.1% POP Vote BLOC 51 10.5% POP Vote NDP 29 17.4% POP Vote Independent 1|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/thestar/access/974828531.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Jan+24%2C+2006&author=Susan+Delacourt&pub=Toronto+Star&edition=&startpage=A.01&desc=CON124+36.5%25+POP+VOTE+LIB+103+30.1%25+POP+VOTE+BLOC+51+10.5%25+POP+VOTE+NDP+29+17.4%25+POP+VOTE+Independent+1|access-date=August 26, 2011|newspaper=The Toronto Star|date=January 24, 2006|location=Toronto|page=A1|archive-date=November 5, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105043051/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/thestar/access/974828531.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Jan+24%2C+2006&author=Susan+Delacourt&pub=Toronto+Star&edition=&startpage=A.01&desc=CON124+36.5%25+POP+VOTE+LIB+103+30.1%25+POP+VOTE+BLOC+51+10.5%25+POP+VOTE+NDP+29+17.4%25+POP+VOTE+Independent+1|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===39th Canadian Parliament===
[[File:Jack5th.jpg|left|thumb|Layton giving a speech on the fifth anniversary of his leadership of the NDP]]

At the NDP's 22nd Convention, held on September 10, 2006, in [[Quebec City]], Layton received a 92% approval rating in a leadership vote, tying former [[Reform Party of Canada|Reform Party]] leader [[Preston Manning]]'s record for this kind of voting.<ref>Panetta, Alexander. "Layton gets strong backing". London Free Press. September 11, 2006.</ref> This record was later broken in 2016 by Elizabeth May of the Green Party of Canada.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.greenparty.ca/en/media-release/2016-04-25/elizabeth-may-receives-936-support-members-leadership-review|title=Elizabeth May receives 93.6% support from members in leadership review|publisher=Green Party of Canada |location=Canada |date=April 25, 2016}}</ref> At the same convention, the NDP passed a motion calling for the return of [[Canadian Forces]] from [[Afghanistan]]. On September 24, 2006, he met with [[President of Afghanistan|Afghan President]] [[Hamid Karzai]] to discuss the NDP position. After the meeting Layton stated that Canada's role should be focused on traditional [[peacekeeping]] and reconstruction rather than in a front line combat role currently taking place.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/karzai-layton-find-common-ground-1.619032|title=Karzai, Layton find common ground|publisher=CBC |location=Canada |date=September 24, 2006|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070212182847/http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2006/09/23/karzai.html|archive-date=February 12, 2007}}</ref>

Layton and his caucus voted to support the [[Income trust#The Conservatives propose new rules for income trusts|new proposed rules for income trusts]] introduced by the [[Conservative Party of Canada|Conservatives]] October 31, 2006.<ref>[http://canadianenergytrusts.ca/bg-waysandmeans.html#vote Coalition of Canadian Energy Trusts. Vote Breakdown] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070517215249/http://www.canadianenergytrusts.ca/bg-waysandmeans.html#vote |date=May 17, 2007 }} November 7, 2006.</ref> The short-term result of the tax policy announcement was a loss to Canadian investors of $20&nbsp;billion, the largest ever loss attributed to a change in government policy.<ref>"Flaherty received death threats". Global National TV. February 1, 2007.</ref>

Layton threatened to move a motion of non-confidence against the government over the "[[air quality law|Clean Air Act]]" unless action was taken to improve the bill and its approach to environmental policy.<ref>[http://www.canada.com/topics/news/national/story.html?id=9446705b-2722-494f-ae8b-05668c3955d7&k=90964 NDP threaten confidence vote over environmental measures] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160104200921/http://www.canada.com/topics/news/national/story.html?id=9446705b-2722-494f-ae8b-05668c3955d7&k=90964 |date=January 4, 2016 }} De Souza, Mike. CanWest News Service. October 31, 2006.</ref> Prime Minister Harper agreed to put an end to the Parliamentary logjam by sending the bill to a special legislative committee before second reading. He released his proposed changes to the "Clean Air Act" on November 19, 2006.<ref>[https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/canada-formally-abandons-kyoto-protocol-on-climate-change/article4180809/ Canada formally abandons Kyoto Protocol on climate change] CTV News. November 19, 2006. {{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

On June 3, 2008, Layton voted to implement a program which would "allow [[conscientious objector]]s ... to a war not sanctioned by the United Nations ... to ... remain in Canada ..."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thestar.com/News/Canada/article/436575|title=MPs vote to give asylum to U.S. military deserters|first=Joanna|last=Smith|work=The Toronto Star|date=June 3, 2008|access-date=July 19, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://cmte.parl.gc.ca/cmte/CommitteePublication.aspx?SourceId=222011 |title=Report: Iraq War Resisters/Rapport–Opposants à la guerre en Irak |publisher=House of Commons/Chambre des Communes, Ottawa, Canada |access-date=June 9, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090213025638/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?DocId=3204056&Language=E&Mode=1&Parl=39&Ses=2 |archive-date=February 13, 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www2.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?Language=E&Mode=1&Parl=39&Ses=2&DocId=3543213#Int-2506938 |title=Official Report * Table of Contents * Number 104 (Official Version) |publisher=House of Commons/Chambre des Communes, Ottawa, Canada |access-date=June 9, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080926040349/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?Language=E&Mode=1&Parl=39&Ses=2&DocId=3543213 |archive-date=September 26, 2008 }}</ref> Layton led the [[New Democratic Party (Canada)|NDP]] to be instrumental in taking action on the peace issue of [[Canada and Iraq War resisters]].

On June 11, 2008, Prime Minister Stephen Harper made it known that he had received private counsel from Layton on the matter of [[Canadian Indian residential school system|Indian residential schools]] and the apology to former students of the schools. Before delivering the apology, Harper thanked Layton.<ref>[http://www2.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?Language=E&Mode=1&Parl=39&Ses=2&DocId=3568890 Apology to Former Students of Indian Residential Schools] Harper, Stephen J., House of Commons Debates, Official Reports (Hansard) 39th Parl., 2nd Sess. (June 11, 2008) (online). {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160106205055/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?Language=E&Mode=1&Parl=39&Ses=2&DocId=3568890 |date=January 6, 2016 }}</ref>

===2008 election===
[[File:Ed Broadbent and Jack Layton at Toronto Rally.jpg|thumb|right|[[Ed Broadbent]] and Layton at a 2008 election rally in Toronto]]
[[File:Toronto Pride - 2008 - IMG 3473 (cropped).jpg|thumb|right|Layton with [[Olivia Chow]] at the [[Pride Toronto|2008 Toronto Pride parade]]]]

Layton started off the [[2008 Canadian federal election|2008 federal election campaign]] with a speech similar to that of US presidential nominee [[Barack Obama]]. Layton denied he was trying to draw comparisons with Obama, saying "I mean, I am a lot shorter than he is. He is a brilliant orator. I'm never going to claim to be that. But what I have noticed is that the key issues faced by the [[American middle class]], the [[Working class|working people]] of the U.S. and their concerns about their families' futures, are awfully similar to the issues that I hear in Canada." Layton said that he has also written to Obama and [[Hillary Clinton]] saying that the [[North American Free Trade Agreement]] had hurt working people in both countries "and those stories have to be told."

Layton, along with Prime Minister Harper and Bloc Québécois leader Gilles Duceppe, initially opposed the inclusion of [[Green Party of Canada|Green Party]] leader [[Elizabeth May]] in the leaders' televised debates.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/greens-can-t-participate-in-leaders-debates-networks-rule-1.757797 |title=Greens can't participate in leaders debates, networks rule|publisher=CBC |location=Canada |date=September 8, 2008|access-date=March 12, 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/grenier-may-green-party-1.3716899|title=Elizabeth May torpedoes the Green Party... again |work=National Post|access-date=June 5, 2010}}</ref> Layton initially said that he was following the rules of the broadcast consortium, while NDP spokesman [[Brad Lavigne]] confirmed that Layton had refused to attend if May was present, noting that May had endorsed Liberal leader [[Stéphane Dion]] for prime minister, and arguing that her inclusion would in effect give the Liberals two representatives at the debate. Rod Love, former chief of staff to [[Ralph Klein]], suggested that the Greens could potentially cut into the NDP's support.<ref>{{cite news|author=Canada |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080908.welxnpanelmay0908/BNStory/Front |title=A debate without the Greens |work=[[The Globe and Mail]] |date=September 8, 2008 |access-date=June 5, 2010 |location=Toronto|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090116030518/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080908.welxnpanelmay0908/BNStory/Front |archive-date=January 16, 2009 }}</ref> Layton's stance drew criticism from the [[World YWCA|YWCA]],<ref>"[https://thetyee.ca/Opinion/2015/04/04/Who-Is-Afraid-Of-Elizabeth-May/ "Who's Afraid of Elizabeth May?" YWCA Canada calls for a woman's voice in election debate]", YWCA press release, September 9, 2008. {{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> [[Judy Rebick]], and members of his own party.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://v1.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080910.welxndebate11/front/Front/Front/ |title=May gets green light with a push from the people|work=[[The Globe and Mail]] |access-date=March 12, 2014 |location=Toronto}}</ref> Layton dropped his opposition to May's inclusion on September 10, 2008. "This whole issue of debating about the debate has become a distraction to the real debate that needs to happen", Layton said. "I have only one condition for this debate and that is that the prime minister is there."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.canada.com/topics/news/features/decisioncanada/story.html?id=ebe130c8-751e-478c-a911-4f8c537f12f1|title=May says democracy wins as Green leader lands debate slot|publisher=Canada.com|date=September 10, 2008|access-date=June 5, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081208075920/http://www.canada.com/topics/news/features/decisioncanada/story.html?id=ebe130c8-751e-478c-a911-4f8c537f12f1|archive-date=December 8, 2008}}</ref>

In October 2008, Layton posted an online video message speaking out in favour of [[net neutrality]], [[peer-to-peer|torrent]] sites, [[Video hosting service|video-sharing]] sites, and [[Social networking service|social-networking]] sites.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgJuzfoNAkg| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100505081831/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgJuzfoNAkg| archive-date=May 5, 2010 | url-status=dead|title=Message to P2PNET readers|work=YouTube|date=April 12, 2009|access-date=June 5, 2010}}</ref> In a separate interview he said that increasing corporate control "is very, very dangerous and we have put the whole issue of net neutrality right into the heart of our campaign platform", and that the Internet is "a public tool for exchanging ideas and I particularly want to say that if we don't fight to preserve it, we could lose it." In the end, the NDP gained 8 new seats, taking its tally to 37. This result still left the NDP as Canada's fourth party, behind the Bloc Québécois with 50. The NDP managed to retain [[Outremont (electoral district)|Outremont]], held by [[Tom Mulcair]], its only seat in the province.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/harper-bets-the-house-wins-another-minority/article1063836/ |title=Harper bets the House, wins another minority|work=[[The Globe and Mail]]|location=Toronto|date=October 15, 2008|access-date=March 12, 2014 |first=Campbell |last=Clark }}</ref>

===40th Canadian Parliament===
{{main|2008–2009 Canadian parliamentary dispute}}
[[File:Jack Layton 2.jpg|thumb|upright=0.5|left|Layton during the 2008 election campaign]]
The [[40th Canadian Parliament|40th session of Parliament]] began on November 27, 2008, with a fiscal update by the Conservatives that outlined their agenda for the upcoming term. This included a temporary suspension of federal employees' right to strike and a removal of monetary subsidies for political parties.<ref>[https://www.thestar.com/article/544582 Opposition threatens to topple Tories over update] Richard Brennan. ''Toronto Star''. November 27, 2008.</ref> All three opposition parties including the NDP stated that they could not support this position. Layton along with Liberal leader Stéphane Dion and Bloc Québécois leader Gilles Duceppe began negotiations to form a coalition that would replace the Conservatives as the government. The three opposition parties planned to table a motion of non-confidence in the House of Commons, and counted on the likelihood that the Governor General [[Michaëlle Jean]], would invite the coalition to govern instead of dissolving parliament and calling an election so soon after the last election.{{citation needed|date=August 2011}}

On December 1, 2008, the three opposition leaders signed an accord that laid down the basis for an agreement on a coalition government. The proposed structure would be a coalition between the Liberals and the NDP, with the New Democrats getting six Cabinet positions. Both parties agreed to continue the coalition until June 30, 2011. The Bloc Québécois would not be formally part of the government but would provide support on confidence motions for 18 months.<ref>[http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/liberals-ndp-bloc-sign-deal-on-proposed-coalition-1.700119 Liberals, NDP, Bloc sign deal on proposed coalition] CBC News. December 1, 2008.</ref>

Opposition to the proposed coalition developed in all provinces except Quebec.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://ctv2.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081212.wcogagnon15/business/Business/Business/&id=RTGAM_20081212_wcogagnon15|title=Buying time and saving the Liberals|work=[[The Globe and Mail]]|date=December 15, 2008|author=Gagnon, Lysiane|access-date=March 12, 2014|location=Toronto|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140313114820/http://ctv2.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081212.wcogagnon15/business/Business/Business/%26id%3DRTGAM_20081212_wcogagnon15|archive-date=March 13, 2014}}</ref> On December 4, 2008, the governor general granted Prime Minister Harper's request to [[Prorogation in Canada|prorogue]] Parliament until January 26, 2009, at which time Harper had planned to introduce the budget. Dion had since been ousted from the leadership of the Liberals and his successor, [[Michael Ignatieff]], had distanced himself from the coalition.

Layton remained committed to ousting the Harper government,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://ctv2.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090114.wxopposition14/business/Business/Business/&id=RTGAM_20090114_wxopposition14|title=NDP 'unlikely' to support budget, favours coalition|work=[[The Globe and Mail]]|date=January 14, 2009|access-date=March 12, 2014|location=Toronto|first=Gloria|last=Galloway|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140313114942/http://ctv2.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090114.wxopposition14/business/Business/Business/%26id%3DRTGAM_20090114_wxopposition14|archive-date=March 13, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://etacanadaonline.com/|title=eTA Canada Application &#124; Apply for Canada eTA Online|website=etacanadaonline.com}}</ref>{{Irrelevant citation|date=August 2021}} pledging that the NDP would vote against the Conservative budget regardless of what it contained.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rabble.ca/news/2015/08/remember-jack-layton-and-build-better-canada|title=NDP's budget position may be senseless, but at least it's consistent|publisher=Network.nationalpost.com|access-date=June 5, 2010}}</ref> Layton urged Ignatieff's Liberal Party to topple the Conservatives before the shelf life of the coalition expired; constitutional experts said that four months after the last election, if the government fell, the governor general would likely grant the prime minister's request to dissolve Parliament instead of inviting the coalition.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.torontosun.com/news/canada/2009/01/26/8145701-sun.html|title=Clock ticking on coalition's chances|last=Harris|first=Kathleen|date=January 26, 2009|newspaper=Toronto Sun|access-date=April 23, 2010}}</ref>
[[File:Jack Layton June 28 2009 Toronto Pride Parade.jpg|thumb|alt=Jack Layton appearing in Toronto's Pride Parade 2009|Layton making an appearance in Toronto's Pride Parade in 2009]]
On January 28, 2009, the Liberals agreed to support the Conservative budget with an amendment, ending the possibility of the coalition, so Layton said "Today we have learned that you can't trust Mr. Ignatieff to oppose Mr. Harper. If you oppose Mr. Harper and you want a new government, I urge you to support the NDP."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ignatieff-okays-budget-with-conditions/article1147795/ |title=Ignatieff okays budget, with conditions|work=[[The Globe and Mail]] |date=January 28, 2009|access-date=March 12, 2014|location=Toronto|first1=Campbell |last1=Clark |first2=Jane |last2=Taber }}</ref>

In March 2009, the NDP, under Layton's leadership, re-introduced a motion (first passed June 3, 2008) which, if implemented, would allow [[Canada and Iraq War resisters|conscientious objectors to the Iraq War to remain in Canada]]. The motion again passed March 30, 2009, by 129–125, but it was non-binding.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www2.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?Language=E&Mode=1&Parl=40&Ses=2&DocId=3781662#OOB-2683958 |title=40th Parliament, 2nd Session, Edited Hansard • Number 036, Contents, Monday, March&nbsp;30, 2009 |publisher=parl.gc.ca |access-date=June 5, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091126040806/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?Language=E&Mode=1&Parl=40&Ses=2&DocId=3781662 |archive-date=November 26, 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Alex|last=Cooper|title=Federal court to hear American war resister's appeal|url=https://www.thestar.com/article/622278|work=Toronto Star|date=April 21, 2009|access-date=April 23, 2009}}</ref> In a [[leadership review]] vote held at the NDP's August 2009 federal policy convention, 89.25% of delegates voted against holding a [[leadership convention]] to replace Layton.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/ndp-name-change-debate-fizzles/article1253745|title=This page is available to GlobePlus subscribers|work=[[The Globe and Mail]] |access-date=June 5, 2010|location=Toronto}}</ref> In October 2009, Layton paired up with the [[Stephen Lewis]] Foundation to raise money for [[HIV/AIDS]] affected families in Africa. As part of the foundation's A Dare to Remember campaign, Layton busked on a busy street corner.<ref>{{cite news|last=Wiebe|first=Lindsey|url=http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/entertainment/raise-money-for-aids-by-going-out-on-a-limb-56534832.html|title=Raise money for AIDS by going out on a limb|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|access-date=June 5, 2010}}</ref>
[[File:Jack Layton in Town Hall Meeting in 2010.jpg|left|thumb|Layton and [[Rathika Sitsabaiesan]] with other NDP members observing Hindu religious rituals at Town Hall before attending a meeting organized by the [[Tamil Canadian|Canadian Tamil]] community in 2010]]
Layton's son, [[Mike Layton|Mike]] was elected to Toronto City Council in the [[2010 Toronto municipal election|2010 city council election]].<ref name=victory>[https://nationalpost.com/posted-toronto/mike-layton-joins-parents-in-victory "Mike Layton joins parents in victory"]. ''[[National Post]]'', October 25, 2010.</ref>

In early 2011, Layton was featured in an episode of [[CBC Television]]'s ''[[Make the Politician Work]]''.<ref>[[John Doyle (critic)|John Doyle]], "Forget royal weddings. Give me the Queen of Punk". ''[[The Globe and Mail]]'', January 22, 2011.</ref>

The Conservative government was defeated in a [[Motion of no confidence|no-confidence vote]] on March 25, 2011, with the motion gaining full support of all opposition parties including the New Democrats, after the government was found in [[contempt of Parliament]].<ref>[https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/government-s-defeat-sets-up-election-call-1.1068749 Government's defeat sets up election call]. ''CBC News'', March 25, 2011. Retrieved March 25, 2011.</ref> It was the first time in [[Contempt of Parliament#Contempt citation cases for governments|Commonwealth history]] that a government lost the confidence of the [[House of Commons of Canada|House of Commons]] on the grounds of contempt of Parliament. The no-confidence motion was carried with a vote of 156 in favour of the motion, and 145 against,<ref>[http://www2.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?Language=E&Mode=1&Parl=40&Ses=3&DocId=5072532#Div-204 "Business of Supply (Division 204)"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110402084008/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?Language=E&Mode=1&Parl=40&Ses=3&DocId=5072532#Div-204 |date=April 2, 2011 }}. 40th Parliament, 3rd Session – Edited Hansard, No. 149, March 25, 2011. Retrieved March 25, 2011. The motion presented by the Leader of the Opposition was "That the House agree with the finding of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs that the government is in contempt of Parliament, which is unprecedented in Canadian parliamentary history, and consequently, the House has lost confidence in the government",</ref> thus resulting in the prime minister advising a dissolution of Parliament and a [[2011 Canadian federal election#Contempt of Parliament|federal election]].

===2011 election and Leader of the Opposition===
{{further|2011 Canadian federal election}}
The day after the successful passing of the motion, Layton started the NDP election campaign, first with a speech in [[Ottawa]] followed later in the day by an event in [[Edmonton]], [[Alberta]].<ref>[http://www.rabble.ca/blogs/bloggers/djclimenhaga/2011/03/jack-laytons-campaign-opener-edmonton-suggests-ndp-strategy-come Jack Layton's campaign opener in Edmonton suggests NDP strategy to come] ''rabble.ca'', March 27, 2011. Retrieved March 29, 2011.</ref> Questions about Layton's health due to a recent hip surgery were often directed to him during the campaign, with Layton insisting that he was healthy enough to lead.<ref>[http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/inside-politics-blog/2011/03/layton-opens-up-about-his-health.html Layton opens up about his health] ''CBC News'', March 29, 2011.</ref><ref>[https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/jack-layton-the-fighter-1.1031145 Jack Layton: The fighter] ''CBC News'', March 25, 2011. Retrieved March 30, 2011.</ref> On March 29, 2011, the New Democrats presented their first real campaign promise, a proposal to cap credit card rates to reduce credit card debt.<ref>[https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/layton-promises-to-cap-credit-card-rates-1.1031437 Layton promises to cap credit card rates] ''CBC News'', March 29, 2011.</ref>
[[File:Layton Quebec 18042011-1.jpg|thumb|upright|Layton with his chief of staff, [[Anne McGrath]], campaigning in Quebec City]]
Unlike the previous election, Layton stated he was in favour of [[Green Party of Canada|Green Party]] leader [[Elizabeth May]] speaking at the leaders debates, despite the fact that she was once again being discouraged by the Canadian media networks.<ref>[https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/debate-over-may-diverts-campaign-1.1105297 Debate over May diverts campaign] ''CBC News'', March 30, 2011. Retrieved March 30, 2011.</ref> The NDP also embarked upon the largest advertising campaign in its history, focusing on the Harper government's health care record.<ref>[https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/ndp-seeks-to-shape-health-debate-with-ads-1.1102715 NDP seeks to shape health debate with ads] ''CBC News'', March 30, 2011. Retrieved March 30, 2011.</ref> He also dedicated the federal election campaign to former [[Premier of Saskatchewan|Saskatchewan premier]] [[Allan Blakeney]], who died about halfway through the campaign.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/former-saskatchewan-premier-allan-blakeney-dies-of-cancer/article4182127/ |title=Former Sask. Premier Allan Blakeney dies of cancer, Opposition leader says |work=The Globe and Mail |date=April 16, 2011 |access-date=March 12, 2014 }}</ref>

Despite entering the campaign with relatively low poll numbers,<ref>{{cite journal|author=Richard J. Brennan National Affairs Writer|url=https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/politics/article/972241--ndp-fortunes-falling-fast-in-latest-poll|title=NDP fortunes falling fast in latest poll|journal=Toronto Star |date=April 9, 2011|access-date=April 25, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Gloria Galloway|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/layton-remains-game-despite-polls-showing-hes-the-odd-man-out/article575778/|title=Layton remains game despite polls showing he's the odd man out|work=[[The Globe and Mail]]|date=April 8, 2011|access-date=March 12, 2014|location=Toronto}}</ref> the NDP recovered and increased their support significantly after Layton's performance in the [[2011 Canadian leaders debates|leaders debates]].<ref>{{cite news|author=Joanna Smith Ottawa Bureau|url=https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/politics/article/976225|title=NDP moves into tie with Liberals: Poll|work=Toronto Star |date=April 13, 2011|access-date=April 18, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/canada-politics-idUSN1822211320110418|title=Canada's NDP pushes for bigger place in election sun|work=Reuters|date=February 14, 2011|access-date=April 18, 2011|first=Randall|last=Palmer}}</ref> In the English-language debate, Layton criticized [[Michael Ignatieff]]'s poor attendance record in the House of Commons, saying "You know, most Canadians, if they don't show up for work, they don't get a promotion!", to which Ignatieff was unable to respond effectively.<ref>Stinson, S. (August 23, 2011). [http://fullcomment.nationalpost.com/2011/08/23/scott-stinson-10-moments-that-helped-shape-layton%E2%80%99s-political-career/ Scott Stinson: 10 moments that helped shape Layton's political career] {{webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20120712043947/http://fullcomment.nationalpost.com/2011/08/23/scott-stinson-10-moments-that-helped-shape-layton%E2%80%99s-political-career/ |date=July 12, 2012 }}. ''National Post''. Retrieved on: September 19, 2011.</ref><ref>Wells, P. (May 7, 2011). [http://www.macleans.ca/2011/05/07/turning-up-the-heat/ The untold story of the 2011 election: Chapter 4 – Turning up the heat]. ''Maclean's''. Retrieved September 19, 2011.</ref><ref>Smith, Joanna. (April 20, 2011). [https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/politics/article/977416--for-layton-the-real-battle-is-with-ignatieff For Layton, the real battle is with Ignatieff]. ''the star.com''. Retrieved on: September 19, 2011.</ref> ''[[The Globe and Mail]]'' described Layton's attack as a "knock-out punch" while the ''[[Toronto Star]]'' stated it was the "pivot in the debate [that] was a turning point in the federal campaign". Layton's New Democrats successfully capitalized on Ignatieff's attendance record in the Toronto area.<ref>[http://m.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ottawa-notebook/ndp-makes-hay-of-ignatieff-truancy-as-serene-liberals-lash-out/article1997497/?service=mobile "NDP makes hay of Ignatieff truancy as 'serene' Liberals lash out"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150108074935/http://m.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ottawa-notebook/ndp-makes-hay-of-ignatieff-truancy-as-serene-liberals-lash-out/article1997497/?service=mobile |date=January 8, 2015 }}. ''[[The Globe and Mail]]'', September 10, 2012.</ref><ref>[https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2011/05/07/exclusive_what_really_sunk_michael_ignatieff_and_the_liberals.html "Exclusive: What really sunk Michael Ignatieff and the Liberals"]. ''[[Toronto Star]]'', May 7, 2011.</ref><ref>[http://www.torontosun.com/news/decision2011/2011/04/13/17976836.html "Layton puts egg on Iggy's face in debate"]. ''[[Toronto Sun]]'', April 13, 2011.</ref>

On February 4, 2011, Layton attended a rally against [[usage-based billing in Canada|usage-based billing]] in Toronto with MPs [[Dan McTeague]], [[Olivia Chow]], [[Peggy Nash]] and others.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nationalpost.com/posted-toronto/usage-based-billing-rally-smaller-than-expected-taken-over-by-ndp|title=Usage-based billing rally smaller than expected, taken over by NDP|publisher=News.nationalpost.com|date=February 4, 2011|access-date=February 13, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Tochilin|first=Andrey|url=http://vimeo.com/19583788|title=NDP. Stop the Meter on Vimeo|publisher=Vimeo.com|access-date=February 13, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.worldbroadbandfoundation.org/content/canadian-ubb-protest-february-2011-0|title=Canadian UBB Protest February 2011|publisher=World Broadband Foundation|access-date=February 13, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130416163519/http://www.worldbroadbandfoundation.org/content/canadian-ubb-protest-february-2011-0|archive-date=April 16, 2013}}</ref> His attendance at this rally was accompanied by several press releases by the NDP denouncing metered internet usage in Canada.<ref>{{cite web|author=Don Davies |url=http://dondavies.ndp.ca/post/ndp-slams-crtcs-approval-of-usage-based-billing-for-internet-service |title=NDP slams CRTC's approval of usage-based billing for Internet service |publisher=Dondavies.ndp.ca |date=January 21, 2011 |access-date=February 13, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304051303/http://dondavies.ndp.ca/post/ndp-slams-crtcs-approval-of-usage-based-billing-for-internet-service |archive-date=March 4, 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ndp.ca/press/canadians-lose-out-with-internet-metered-billing|title=Canadians lose out with internet metered billing|publisher=Ndp.ca|date=January 20, 2011|access-date=February 13, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120205185409/http://www.ndp.ca/press/canadians-lose-out-with-internet-metered-billing|archive-date=February 5, 2012}}</ref>

The NDP surge began in Quebec, with the NDP surprising many observers by surpassing the previously front-running Bloc in Quebec.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/layton-sees-growing-quebec-support-targets-liberals-1.1076764|title=Layton sees growing Quebec support, targets Liberals|publisher=CBC|location=Canada|date=April 18, 2011|access-date=April 18, 2011}}</ref> In Canada overall, the NDP surged past the Liberals to take the second place behind the Conservatives; in Quebec, the NDP took first place.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/canada-us-politics-ekos-idCATRE73O5UR20110425|title=NDP surges to strong second place in poll|work=Reuters |date=April 25, 2011|access-date=April 25, 2011|first=Janet|last=Guttsman}}</ref><ref name="EKOS">{{cite web|url=http://www.ekospolitics.com/wp-content/uploads/full_report_april_21_2011.pdf|title=NDP Breakout Continues As Everyone Else Spins Wheels|access-date =April 23, 2011|last=[[EKOS Research Associates|EKOS]]|date=April 2011}}</ref> The NDP surge became the dominant narrative of the last week of the campaign, as other parties turned their attacks on the party and Layton.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://vancouversun.com/news/decision-canada/surge+dominates+talk+federal+campaign+trail/4685960/story.html|title=NDP surge dominates talk on federal campaign trail|work=Vancouver Sun|date=April 27, 2011|access-date=April 27, 2011|archive-date=May 2, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110502043910/http://www.vancouversun.com/news/decision-canada/surge+dominates+talk+federal+campaign+trail/4685960/story.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
[[File:Jack Layton 2011-04-18.jpg|thumb|upright|left|Layton in Quebec during the federal electoral campaign]]
On April 29, 2011, a retired police officer told the [[Sun News Network]] and the ''[[Toronto Sun]]'' newspaper that in 1996, Layton had been found in a [[Massage parlor|massage parlour]] when police, looking for underage Asian [[sex worker]]s, raided the establishment. The police informed Layton of the potentially questionable use of the business and recommended that he avoid it in the future. No charges were filed.<ref>{{cite web|last=Pazzano|first=Sam|title=Sun News Exclusive|url=http://www.sunnewsnetwork.ca/video/924574695001|publisher=Sun News Network|access-date=April 30, 2011|date=April 29, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110503040106/http://www.sunnewsnetwork.ca/video/924574695001|archive-date=May 3, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Pizzano|first=Sam|title=Layton found in bawdy house: Ex-cop|url=http://www.torontosun.com/2011/04/29/layton-found-in-toronto-bawdy-house-former-cop|newspaper=Toronto Sun|access-date=April 30, 2011|date=April 29, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Chow|first=Olivia|title=Layton slams 'smear campaign' over massage-parlour allegations|url=https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/layton-was-present-during-1996-police-raid-of-massage-clinic-but-not-charged-with-any-wrongdoing-chow|work=National Post |location=Canada |access-date=April 30, 2011|date=April 29, 2011}}</ref> The ''Sun'' later ran a follow-up piece, in which Toronto city councillor [[Giorgio Mammoliti]] criticized Layton.<ref>{{cite web|last=Yuen|first=Jenny|title=T.O. councillor skeptical of Layton story|url=http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/CanadaVotes/News/2011/04/30/18087876.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120707061749/http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/CanadaVotes/News/2011/04/30/18087876.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 7, 2012|publisher=canoe.ca|access-date=April 30, 2011}}</ref> Layton has said there was no wrongdoing in the matter, saying that he simply "went for a massage at a community clinic" and did not return after the police advised him not to.<ref>{{cite news|title=Layton confident voters will dismiss massage parlour 'smear campaign'|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/layton-confident-voters-will-dismiss-massage-parlour-smear-campaign/article2005429|work=[[The Globe and Mail]] |access-date=April 30, 2011|date=April 30, 2011|location=Toronto}}</ref> He also referred to the release of the police report as a [[smear campaign]] against him.<ref>{{cite news|last=Smith|first=Joanna|title=Layton camp in damage control over massage parlour allegations|url=https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/politics/article/983321--layton-camp-denies-alleged-massage-parlour-incident?bn=1|work=The Star|access-date=April 30, 2011|date=April 29, 2011|location=Toronto}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=NDP responds to Layton massage-visit allegations|url=http://www.canada.com/responds+Layton+massage+visit+allegations/4701230/story.html|publisher=Postmedia News|access-date=April 30, 2011|date=April 29, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Layton denies Sun Media's massage parlour allegations|url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/layton-denies-sun-media-s-massage-parlour-allegations-1.637626|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022151824/http://www.ctvnews.ca/layton-denies-sun-media-s-massage-parlour-allegations-1.637626|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 22, 2012|publisher=CTV News|access-date=April 30, 2011|date=April 30, 2011}}</ref><ref name="cbc110429">{{cite news|title=Leak of police notes in Layton report probed|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/leak-of-police-notes-in-layton-report-probed-1.1035231|work=[[CBC News]]|access-date=April 30, 2011|date=April 29, 2011}}</ref> [[Bloc Québécois]] leader [[Gilles Duceppe]] also dismissed the claim.<ref>{{cite news|last=Dougherty |first=Kevin |title=Gilles Duceppe dismisses Jack Layton massage story |url=https://montrealgazette.com/health/Gilles+Duceppe+dismisses+Jack+Layton+massage+story/4704174/story.html |access-date=April 30, 2011 |newspaper=The Gazette |date=April 30, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110503201506/http://www.montrealgazette.com/health/Gilles%2BDuceppe%2Bdismisses%2BJack%2BLayton%2Bmassage%2Bstory/4704174/story.html |archive-date=May 3, 2011 }}</ref> A columnist for the ''[[National Post]]'' suggested that it was a Liberal insider that leaked the story, although a Liberal Party spokesman denied that they had anything to do with it.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.macleans.ca/2011/05/02/liberal-insider-leaked-story-of-laytons-massage-says-columnist/|title=Liberal insider leaked story of Layton's massage, says columnist|magazine=Maclean's|date=May 2, 2011|access-date=December 21, 2011}}</ref>

A subsequent ''Toronto Star'' column stated that most contributors to online discussions agreed there was a smear campaign against Layton.<ref>{{cite news|last=Gordon|first=Andrea|title=Online debate more about 'smear job' than Layton|url=https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/983511--online-debate-more-about-smear-job-than-layton|access-date=April 30, 2011|newspaper=Toronto Star|date=April 30, 2011}}</ref> As for political damage from this story, that same day's update of the [[Nanos Research|Nanos]] Leadership Index, which assesses public opinion on the Canadian federal leaders' trustworthiness, competence and vision for Canada, saw Layton rise from a score of 80 to a score of 97, surpassing Harper's 88 and Ignatieff's 39. The polling company speculated this improvement is due to strong sympathy by the public for a political candidate they judged as being unfairly maligned.<ref>{{cite news|last=Galloway|first=Gloria|date=May 1, 2011|title=Gap between Tories, NDP narrows to 6 points in 11th-hour polling|newspaper=The Globe and Mail|location=Toronto|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ottawa-notebook/gap-between-tories-ndp-narrows-to-6-points-in-11th-hour-polling/article2005684/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110503191529/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ottawa-notebook/gap-between-tories-ndp-narrows-to-6-points-in-11th-hour-polling/article2005684/|access-date=May 2, 2011|archive-date=May 3, 2011}}</ref> The [[Toronto Police Service]] launched an investigation into how official police notes were leaked to [[Sun Media]]. Police notebooks are closely guarded and may contain unfounded and unproven allegations.<ref name="cbc110429"/> On May 5, 2011, it was announced that no charges would be laid with regards to the leaked information.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://vancouversun.com/news/decision-canada/charges+Layton+massage+parlour+leak+Police/4735627/story.html|title=No charges in Layton massage parlour leak: Police|work=Vancouver Sun|date=May 5, 2011|access-date=June 4, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110626075105/http://www.vancouversun.com/news/charges+Layton+massage+parlour+leak+Police/4735627/story.html|archive-date=June 26, 2011}}</ref>

Layton appeared on the [[Télévision de Radio-Canada|Radio-Canada]] talk show ''[[Tout le monde en parle (Quebec)|Tout le monde en parle]]'' on April 3, an appearance that was credited for improving his party's standing among Francophone voters due to his informal Québécois French.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/layton-remains-game-despite-polls-showing-hes-the-odd-man-out/article575778/ |title=Three leaders, three accents |first=Lysiane |last=Gagnon |date=April 18, 2011 |access-date=March 12, 2014 |newspaper=The Globe and Mail }}</ref> The show is the most popular program in Quebec.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=Montreal Gazette |title=Sovereignist Lepage opened door for Layton |url=https://montrealgazette.com/news/Jack+Layton+strong+connection+with+Quebec+province+loved+back/5290922/story.html |author=Philip Authier |date=May 7, 2011 |access-date=August 23, 2011 }}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> He was also perceived to have performed well in the televised French-language party leaders' debate on April 13.

In the May 2, 2011, election, Layton led the NDP to 103 seats, more than double its previous high. This was also enough to make the NDP the [[Official Opposition (Canada)|Official Opposition]] for the first time. The NDP gains were partly due to a major surge in [[Quebec]] as the party won 59 of the province's 75 seats, dominating Montreal and sweeping [[Quebec City]] and the [[Outaouais]], although the NDP also won more seats than any other opposition party in the rest of Canada. The NDP had gone into the election with only one seat in Quebec, that of [[Thomas Mulcair]], and had won but a single seat in the province historically ([[Phil Edmonston]] in a 1990 by-election). Many of these gains came at the expense of the Bloc, which was reduced to a four-seat rump without official party status in Parliament.

==Family and personal life==
{{Main|Layton family}}
[[File:Layton and Chow on their way to vote.jpg|left|thumb|Layton and [[Olivia Chow]] on their way to vote in 2011]]

Layton came from a [[political family]]: his maternal great-granduncle, [[William Steeves]], was a [[Canadian Confederation|Father of Confederation]].<ref name="Independent-obit"/> His great-grandfather, Philip E. Layton, was a [[Blindness|blind]] piano salesman and [[Disability rights movement|activist]] who, in 1908, founded the Montreal Association for the Blind; in the 1930s, he campaigned for [[disability pension]]s.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Martin |first1=Sandra |title=Jack Layton's legacy won't end here |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/jack-laytons-legacy-wont-end-here/article595869/ |access-date=June 8, 2024 |work=[[The Globe and Mail]] |date=August 22, 2011 |language=en-CA}}</ref> Philip was the senior partner in the family business, Layton Bros. Pianos. Layton Pianos had been made in London, England, since 1837, and Philip had emigrated to Montreal at the age of 19.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.scribd.com/doc/32031975/1900-Layton-Brothers-Pianos-Organs-Players-Wholesale-and-Retail|title=(1900) Layton Brothers Pianos, Organs & Players: Wholesale and Retail|publisher=Scribd.com|access-date=May 2, 2011}}</ref> His business, which was opened on [[Saint Catherine Street]] in Montreal, continues to operate as Layton Audio.<ref name="GlobeAndMail-Family">{{cite news |title=behind the scenes |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/behind-the-scenes/article991488/ |access-date=June 8, 2024 |work=[[The Globe and Mail]] |date=December 21, 2005 |language=en-CA}}</ref> Philip's 1898 composition ''Dominion March''<ref>{{cite web |last1=Vaisey |first1=William |last2=Hayes |first2=Janice |title=Blindness and Vision Loss |url=https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/blindness-and-vision-loss-emc |website=[[The Canadian Encyclopedia]] |access-date=June 8, 2024 |language=en |date=January 31, 2010}}</ref> was played at Layton's [[lying in state]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Carillon music for Jack Layton's Hill farewell |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/carillon-music-for-jack-layton-s-hill-farewell-1.1074752 |access-date=June 8, 2024 |work=[[CBC News]] |date=August 25, 2011}}</ref>

Layton's grandfather, [[Gilbert Layton|Gilbert]], served in Quebec's [[Union Nationale (Quebec)|Union Nationale]] government led by [[Maurice Duplessis]] as a cabinet minister,<ref name="GlobeAndMail-Family"/> later resigning due to the provincial government's lack of support for [[Military history of Canada during World War II|Canadian participation]] in World War II.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-ottawa-journal-w-r-bulloch-breaks/149339761/ |title=W. R. Bulloch Breaks With Duplessis |newspaper=[[Ottawa Journal]] |place=Montreal |agency=CP |page=13 |date=1939-10-05 |publication-date=1939-10-06 |access-date=2024-06-14 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Layton's father, [[Robert Layton (politician)|Robert]], was initially a member of the [[Liberal Party of Canada|Liberal Party]]<ref name="GlobeAndMail-Family"/> as an activist in the 1960s and 1970s,{{Citation needed|date=June 2024}} who later switched to the Progressive Conservatives and served as a [[Cabinet of Canada|federal Cabinet]] minister in the 1980s under Prime Minister [[Brian Mulroney]],<ref name="GlobeAndMail-Family"/> as well as a member of Parliament.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/33450468/ |title=Layton trounces Roberts ends 30-year 'tradition' |first=Stephanie |last=Whittaker |newspaper=[[The Gazette (Montreal)|The Gazette]] |publication-place=Montreal |page=41 |date=1984-09-05 |access-date=2024-06-14 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>

Layton was raised as a member of the [[United Church of Canada]], and was a member of [[Bloor Street United Church]] in Toronto.<ref name=unitedchurch>{{cite web |last=Todd |first=Douglas |date=August 25, 2011 |title=Jack Layton Inspired by United Church Spirituality and Ethics |url=http://blogs.vancouversun.com/2011/08/25/jack-layton-inspired-by-united-church-spirituality-and-ethics/ |type=blog post |work=The Vancouver Sun |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110924073539/http://blogs.vancouversun.com/2011/08/25/jack-layton-inspired-by-united-church-spirituality-and-ethics |archive-date=September 24, 2011}}</ref> However, he also sometimes attended services at the [[Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto]], whose pastor, [[Brent Hawkes]], was a longtime NDP activist and a personal friend of Layton's.<ref name=unitedchurch />
[[File:Jack-Layton-Star-Trek-Uniform.jpg|upright|thumb|Layton wearing a custom-made uniform at a ''Star Trek'' convention in 1991]]
In 1969, at age 19, Layton married his high school sweetheart Sally Halford, with whom he had two children: [[Mike Layton|Mike]], who served as a [[Toronto City Council|Toronto city councillor]] from 2010 to 2022, and Sarah, who works for the [[Stephen Lewis Foundation]].<ref>Geddes, John. "Jack Layton." ''[[Maclean's]]''. December 5, 2005.</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=July 27, 2022 |title=Mike Layton Bows Out of Upcoming Toronto Election After 12 Years in Office |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/mike-layton-not-running-1.6533386 |website=CBC News |access-date=March 21, 2024}}</ref> Layton and Halford's marriage ended in divorce in 1983 after 14 years.

Layton first met [[Olivia Chow]] in 1985 during an [[auction]] at Village by the Grange, in which Jack was the auctioneer and Olivia was the [[interpreter]] for the [[Cantonese|Cantonese language]] observers. They had been previously acquainted, however they realized that they were both candidates in the upcoming election and decided to have [[lunch]] together to talk about the campaign. Three weeks after the auction, they went on their first date. Olivia's mother did not approve of Layton at first, because of his [[race (human classification)|race]] as well as him not being a [[lawyer]] or [[Physician|doctor]]. Layton was invited to [[dinner]] at the home of Olivia's mother, where they also played [[mahjong]]. After the dinner, Layton attempted to thank Olivia's mother in [[Cantonese]], however his incorrect [[tone (linguistics)|tone]] had him inadvertently saying, "Thank you for the good sex." Layton stated "My faux pas broke the ice completely. We've been good buddies ever since."<ref name=JackLovesOlivia>{{cite news|last=Rushowy |first=Kristin |title=Jack and Olivia their love story |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/politics/article/1043197--jack-and-olivia-their-love-story#article |access-date=August 26, 2011 |newspaper=The Toronto Star |date=January 3, 1999 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130201071822/http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/politics/article/1043197--jack-and-olivia-their-love-story |archive-date=February 1, 2013 |location=Toronto |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Layton was known for playing music and singing songs at party gatherings. [[Alberta New Democratic Party|Alberta NDP]] leader [[Brian Mason]] remembered during the three-day board meetings when Layton was running for president of the [[Federation of Canadian Municipalities]]: "He would gather people together in his hotel room and play the guitar and get everybody singing old [[Folk music|folk songs]] from the 1960s. He just got people involved, just with his personality, not politics."<ref name=Edjournaltributes>{{cite news|last=Kleiss |first=Karen |title=Alberta leaders put away partisan politics to honour Layton: Tributes pour in from across the province |url=https://edmontonjournal.com/news/Tributes+indicate+Jack+Layton+legacy+transcends+party+lines/5289309/story.html |access-date=August 26, 2011 |newspaper=The Edmonton Journal |date=August 23, 2011 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200208223117/https://www.webcitation.org/61EAopjYr?url=http://www.edmontonjournal.com/news/Tributes%20indicate%20Jack%20Layton%20legacy%20transcends%20party%20lines/5289309/story.html |archive-date=February 8, 2020 |location=Edmonton, Alberta |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Layton was a keen [[Trekkie]], having a custom [[Starfleet]] uniform made by a tailor. Layton was famously photographed wearing his uniform at a [[Star Trek convention]] in 1991.<ref>{{cite news|last=Delacourt |first=Susan |title=Where no NDP leader has gone before |url=http://thestar.blogs.com/politics/2009/05/where-no-ndp-leader-has-gone-before.html |date=May 6, 2009 |newspaper=The Toronto Star |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110826004159/http://thestar.blogs.com/politics/2009/05/where-no-ndp-leader-has-gone-before.html |archive-date=August 26, 2011 |access-date=August 26, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

At the 2005 [[Parliamentary Press Gallery]] Dinner (typically a satirical event), Layton sent up himself and his party, playing guitar and singing three songs: "Party for Sale or Rent" (to the tune of "[[King of the Road (song)|King of the Road]]"), a re-worked version of "[[Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out]]" with different humorous lyrics, and "If I Had Another $4.6 Billion".<ref name="CBCobit">{{cite news|last=Fitzpatrick |first=Meagan |title=Obituary : Jack Layton's legacy as a fighter |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/obituary-jack-layton-s-legacy-as-a-fighter-1.1015480 |work=[[CBC News]] |publisher=[[Canadian Broadcasting Corporation]] |date=August 22, 2011 |access-date=August 23, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105081332/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/story/2011/08/22/pol-layton-death.html |archive-date=November 5, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Jack Layton – Party For Sale or Rent|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sl0Mk1idNXg| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211118/Sl0Mk1idNXg| archive-date=November 18, 2021 | url-status=live|work=YouTube| date=September 18, 2009 |publisher=YouTube, LLC|access-date=August 23, 2011}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

==Illness and death==
{{main|Death and state funeral of Jack Layton}}
{{Quote box
| quote =
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
| source = Final line of Layton's letter to Canadians<ref name="Letter">{{citation|last=Layton|first=Jack|date=August 20, 2011|title=Letter to Canadians From Jack Layton|url=http://www.documentcloud.org/documents/238187-letter-to-canadians-from-jack-layton.html|access-date=August 22, 2011}}</ref>
| width = 300px
}}
[[File:Jack Layton memorial in Nathan Phillips Square (1).jpg|thumb|left|An impromptu memorial set up at [[Nathan Phillips Square]] shortly after his death]]
On February 5, 2010, Layton announced that he had been diagnosed with [[prostate cancer]]. He noted that his father [[Robert Layton (politician)|Robert Layton]] had the same type of cancer 17 years before and recovered from it. His wife, [[Olivia Chow]], had [[thyroid cancer]] a few years before. He vowed to beat the cancer, and said it would not interrupt his duties as member of Parliament or as leader of the NDP.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=New Democratic Party|url=https://www.ndp.ca/press/statement-by-jack-layton-delivered-to-media-today|title=Statement by Jack Layton, delivered to the media today|date=February 5, 2010|access-date=July 28, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110803221039/http://www.ndp.ca/press/statement-by-jack-layton-delivered-to-media-today|archive-date=August 3, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Layton won't attend NDP summer caucus retreat|url=http://www.ctvnews.ca/layton-won-t-attend-ndp-summer-caucus-retreat-1.684891|work=CTV News|access-date=August 24, 2011|date=August 17, 2011|archive-date=February 7, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140207073509/http://www.ctvnews.ca/layton-won-t-attend-ndp-summer-caucus-retreat-1.684891|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Following the 2011 federal election, Layton led the party into the first month of the new session of Parliament, as well as attending the NDP Federal Convention in [[Vancouver]]. After Parliament rose for the summer, Layton announced on July 25, 2011, that he would be taking a temporary leave from his post to fight an unspecified, newly diagnosed cancer. He was hoping to return as leader of the NDP upon the resumption of the House of Commons on September 19, 2011. Layton recommended that NDP caucus chair [[Nycole Turmel]] serve as interim leader during his leave of absence.<ref name="leaderpick">{{cite news|last=LeBlanc |first=Daniel |title=Layton picks Nycole Turmel as interim leader |work=[[The Globe and Mail]] |date=July 25, 2011 |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/layton-recommends-nycole-turmel-as-interim-leader/article4181948/ |access-date=July 25, 2011 |location=Toronto}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

Layton died at 4:45&nbsp;a.m. [[Eastern Time Zone|ET]] on August 22, 2011, at his home in [[Toronto]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/blogpost/post/jack-layton-canada-opposition-leader-dies-after-second-cancer-battle/2011/08/22/gIQAxjUIWJ_blog.html |title=Jack Layton, Canada opposition leader, dies after second cancer battle |access-date=March 13, 2014|last=Flock |first=Elizabeth|date=August 22, 2011|newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Reaction to Jack Layton's death|url=http://livenews.thestar.com/Event/Jack_Layton_dead_at_61|access-date=August 22, 2011|newspaper=Toronto Star|date=August 22, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2011/08/22/jack-layton-dead-ndp-lead-cancer_n_932853.html|title=Jack Layton Dead: NDP Leader, 61, Succumbs To Cancer|access-date=August 22, 2011|last=Ward|first=John|author2=The Canadian Press|date=August 22, 2011|work=The Huffington Post|archive-date=September 22, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110922104756/http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2011/08/22/jack-layton-dead-ndp-lead-cancer_n_932853.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> He was 61 years old.
[[File:Jack Layton leaves parliament.jpg|thumb|Layton's coffin being taken from [[Parliament Hill]] after lying in state in Ottawa]]
Upon hearing the news, there was a nationwide outpouring of grief,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/jack-layton-s-son-says-public-support-buoyed-family-1.1014675|work=[[CBC News]]|title=Jack Layton's son says public support buoyed family|date=August 30, 2011}}</ref> and Governor General [[David Johnston (governor general)|David Johnston]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gg.ca/document.aspx?id=14202|last=Office of the Governor General of Canada|title=Death of the leader of Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition|date=August 22, 2011|publisher=Queen's Printer for Canada|access-date=August 25, 2011}}</ref> Prime Minister [[Stephen Harper]], NDP deputy leader [[Libby Davies]],<ref>{{cite news|title=Reaction to Jack Layton's death: 'Canadian hearts are breaking'|url=https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/1043048--reaction-to-jack-layton-s-death-canadian-hearts-are-breaking|access-date=August 22, 2011|newspaper=Toronto Star|date=August 22, 2011}}</ref> and the [[United States Ambassador to Canada|US ambassador to Canada]], [[David Jacobson (diplomat)|David Jacobson]] issued statements praising Layton and mourning his loss.<ref>{{cite news|last=Fitzpatrick|first=Meagan|title=Canada mourns 'courageous' Jack Layton|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/jack-layton-remembered-as-courageous-1.982554|access-date=August 22, 2011|newspaper=[[CBC News]]|date=August 22, 2011}}</ref> Layton's family released an open letter, written by Layton two days before his death. In it, he expressed his wishes regarding the NDP's leadership in the event of his death, and addressed various segments of the Canadian population.<ref name="Letter"/>

Layton was accorded a [[State funerals in Canada|state funeral]], which took place between August 25 and 27, 2011, with the final memorial service at [[Roy Thomson Hall]] in Toronto.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ottawa-notebook/state-funeral-for-jack-layton-to-be-held-saturday-in-toronto/article616806/ |title=State funeral for Jack Layton to be held Saturday in Toronto |date=August 22, 2011|access-date=March 13, 2014|work=[[The Globe and Mail]]|last=Taber|first=Jane|location=Toronto}}</ref> Layton was the second leader of the Official Opposition to die while in office; the first, Sir [[Wilfrid Laurier]], had been a former prime minister, and had been given a state funeral under the protocol for prime ministers. Layton was the first Official Opposition leader to die for whom a state funeral would not otherwise have been afforded, but Prime Minister Harper made the offer to Layton's widow who accepted.<ref>{{Cite news|title=State funeral for late NDP leader Jack Layton cost $368,326: document|language=en-CA|work=nationalpost|url=https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/state-funeral-for-late-ndp-leader-jack-layton-cost-368326-document|access-date=December 1, 2021}}</ref> Layton's body was cremated following the funeral.<ref>{{cite news|author=James Bradshaw and Jane Taber|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/preparing-a-heartfelt-farewell-for-jack-layton/article2139612/|title=Preparing a heartfelt farewell for Jack Layton|work=[[The Globe and Mail]]|date=August 23, 2011|access-date=August 28, 2011|location=Toronto}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Jane Taber|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ottawa-notebook/jack-laytons-final-resting-places-revealed/article2143821/|title=Jack Layton's final resting place(s) revealed|work=[[The Globe and Mail]]|date=August 26, 2011|access-date=August 28, 2011|location=Toronto}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Jack Layton's last ride from Toronto City Hall|url=http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/310861|work=Digital Journal|access-date=September 2, 2011|date=August 27, 2011}}</ref> A portion of his ashes was scattered under a [[jack pine]] planted on [[Toronto Islands|Toronto Island]] in his honour,<ref>{{cite news |author=Mitchel Raphael |title=Some of Jack Layton's ashes sprinkled on Toronto Island |url=http://www.macleans.ca/2012/07/17/some-of-jack-laytons-ashes-sprinkled-on-toronto-island/ |work=Maclean's |location=Canada |date=July 17, 2012 |access-date=December 9, 2013}}</ref> with a second portion scattered at the Layton family's plot at Cote St. Charles United Church in [[Hudson, Quebec]].<ref>{{cite news |author=Jane Taber |title=Jack Layton's ashes scattered in hometown of Hudson, Que. |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ottawa-notebook/jack-laytons-ashes-scattered-in-hometown-of-hudson-que/article617914/ |work=The Globe and Mail |location=Toronto |date=October 3, 2011 |access-date=December 9, 2013}}</ref> A third portion was scattered under a memorial sculpted by Chow, placed at the [[Toronto Necropolis]] Cemetery on the first anniversary of his death.<ref>{{cite news |title=Headstone for Jack Layton unveiled |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/toronto/article/headstone-for-jack-layton-unveiled/ |work=CTV Toronto|date=August 21, 2012 |access-date=December 9, 2013}}</ref>

==In popular culture==
Layton's life is portrayed in a 2013 television movie entitled ''[[Jack (2013 film)|Jack]]'', with [[Rick Roberts (actor)|Rick Roberts]] portraying Layton and [[Sook-Yin Lee]] as Olivia Chow. The cast also includes [[Wendy Crewson]] and [[Erin Karpluk]]. It was released on March 10, 2013, and aired on [[CBC Television]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Pratt|first=Emily|title=full edition of 'Jack'|url=http://www.cbc.ca/player/Shows/ID/2341959731/|publisher=[[CBC Television]]|access-date=March 11, 2013|date=March 1, 2013}}</ref>

==Electoral history==
{{Main|Electoral history of Jack Layton}}

{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:90%; text-align:center;"
|+Electoral history of Jack Layton – Federal general elections
! rowspan="2" style="background:#eaecf0;" |Year
! rowspan="2" style="background:#eaecf0;" |Type
! colspan="2" rowspan="2" style="background:#eaecf0;" |Party
! colspan="3" style="background:#eaecf0;" |Votes
! colspan="2" |Seats
! rowspan="2" |Position
|-
! style="background:#eaecf0;" |Total
! style="background:#eaecf0;" | %
! style="background:#eaecf0;" |{{tooltip|2=Change in percentage value since previous election|±%}}
!Total
!±
|-
![[2004 Canadian federal election|2004]]
| rowspan="4" |Federal
| rowspan="4" style="background-color:{{Canadian party colour|CA|NDP}};" |
| rowspan="4" |[[New Democratic Party|New Democratic]]
|2,127,403
|15.68%
| +7.17%
|{{Composition bar compact|19|308|hex={{Canadian party colour|CA|NDP}}}}
| +6
|{{no2|Fourth party}}
|-
![[2006 Canadian federal election|2006]]
|2,589,597
|17.48%
| +1.80%
|{{Composition bar compact|29|308|hex={{Canadian party colour|CA|NDP}}}}
| +10
|{{no2|Fourth party}}
|-
![[2008 Canadian federal election|2008]]
|2,515,288
|18.18%
| +0.70%
|{{Composition bar compact|37|308|hex={{Canadian party colour|CA|NDP}}}}
| +6
|{{no2|Fourth party}}
|-
![[2011 Canadian federal election|2011]]
|4,508,474
|30.63%
| +12.45%
|{{Composition bar compact|103|308|hex={{Canadian party colour|CA|NDP}}}}
| +66
|{{no2|Official opposition}}
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:90%; text-align:center;"
|+Electoral history of Jack Layton – Municipal and federal constituency elections
! rowspan="2" style="background:#eaecf0;" |Year
! rowspan="2" style="background:#eaecf0;" |Type
! rowspan="2" |Riding
! colspan="2" rowspan="2" style="background:#eaecf0;" |Party
! colspan="4" style="background:#eaecf0;" |Votes for Layton
! rowspan="2" |Result
! colspan="2" rowspan="2" |Swing
|-
! style="background:#eaecf0;" |Total
! style="background:#eaecf0;" | %
! style="background:#eaecf0;" |{{abbr|2=Position|P}}.
!{{tooltip|2=Change in percentage value since previous election|±%}}
|-
![[1982 Toronto municipal election|1982]]
| rowspan="3" |Toronto ward
| rowspan="3" |Ward 6
| rowspan="3" style="background-color:{{Canadian party colour|CA|Independent}};" |
| rowspan="3" |Independent
|9,892
|27.39
|2nd
|N/A
|{{yes2|Elected}}
| colspan="2" |N/A
|-
![[1985 Toronto municipal election|1985]]
|9,037
|62.63
|1st
| +35.24%
|{{yes2|Elected}}
| colspan="2" |N/A
|-
![[1988 Toronto municipal election|1988]]
|5,486
|78.75
|1st
| +16.12%
|{{yes2|Elected}}
| colspan="2" |N/A
|-
![[1991 Toronto municipal election|1991]]
|Toronto mayoral
|N/A
| rowspan="8" style="background-color:{{Canadian party colour|CA|NDP}};" |
| rowspan="8" |[[New Democratic Party|New Democratic]]
|64,044
|32.88
|2nd
|N/A
|{{no2|Lost}}
| colspan="2" |N/A
|-
![[1994 Toronto municipal election|1994]]
| rowspan="3" |Toronto ward
|Don River
|10,117
|49.19
|1st
|N/A
|{{yes2|Elected}}
| colspan="2" |N/A
|-
![[1997 Toronto municipal election|1997]]
|Ward 25
|15,045
|29.17
|1st
|N/A
|{{yes2|Elected}}
| colspan="2" |N/A
|-
![[2000 Toronto municipal election|2000]]
|Ward 30
|8,671
|59.74
|1st
|N/A
|{{yes2|Elected}}
| colspan="2" |N/A
|-
![[2004 Canadian federal election|2004]]
| rowspan="4" |Federal general
| rowspan="4" |[[Toronto—Danforth (federal electoral district)|Toronto—Danforth]]
|22,198
|46.34
|1st
| N/A
|{{yes2|Elected}}
| style="background-color:{{Canadian party colour|CA|NDP}};" |
|Gain
|-
![[2006 Canadian federal election|2006]]
|24,412
|48.42
|1st
| +2.08%
|{{yes2|Elected}}
| style="background-color:{{Canadian party colour|CA|NDP}};" |
|Hold
|-
![[2008 Canadian federal election|2008]]
|20,323
|44.78
|1st
|−3.64%
|{{yes2|Elected}}
| style="background-color:{{Canadian party colour|CA|NDP}};" |
|Hold
|-
![[2011 Canadian federal election|2011]]
|29,235
|60.80
|1st
| +16.02%
|{{yes2|Elected}}
| style="background-color:{{Canadian party colour|CA|NDP}};" |
|Hold
|}

==Legacy and honours==
[[File:Jack Layton memorial statue 01.jpg|thumb|right|A memorial for Layton at the [[Jack Layton Ferry Terminal]], which was renamed in his honour in 2013]]
* The [[Jack Layton Ferry Terminal]] in Toronto was renamed in Layton's honour in 2013, on the second anniversary of his death.<ref name="statue">{{cite web|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/jack-layton-memorial-statue-unveiled-1.1383140|title=Jack Layton memorial statue unveiled|publisher=[[CBC News]]|date=August 22, 2013|access-date=May 16, 2017}}</ref> A bronze statue of Layton riding on a [[tandem bicycle]] was installed at the site.<ref name=statue/>
* Jack Layton Way in Toronto was named in 2013 (formerly Don Jail Roadway and parking area in front of the old jail). The street was once part of the driveway to the [[Don Jail]] and now being transformed as part of the [[Bridgepoint Health]] redevelopment in the Toronto neighbourhood of [[Riverdale, Toronto|Riverdale]]; the community is in Layton's former electoral district of Toronto—Danforth.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/toronto-street-to-be-renamed-jack-layton-way-1.1313367|title=Toronto street to be renamed Jack Layton Way|date=February 21, 2013|access-date=May 16, 2017|publisher=[[CBC News]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://torontoist.com/2013/02/jack-layton-way-opens/|date=February 25, 2013|access-date=May 16, 2017|title=Jack Layton Way Opens|first=Carly|last=Maga|publisher=[[Torontoist]]}}</ref> South side of the roadway is Toronto Public Library Riverdale Branch and Hubbard Park (named after [[William Peyton Hubbard]].)
* [[Ryerson University]] (now Toronto Metropolitan University), where Layton was a professor for many years, honoured him by creating the Jack Layton Chair in the Department of Politics and Public Administration. The endowment sponsors several events including the annual Jack Layton Lecture series, the Jack Layton Book Club held in conjunction with Ryerson Archives and which holds discussions about various books that are part of the archive's Jack Layton Collection. As well, the chair sponsors the annual Jack Layton School for Leadership, an annual program aimed at building the leadership capacity of leaders and activists working towards social change.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ryerson.ca/politics/about-us/how-we-collaborate/chairs/jack-layton-chair/ |title=Jack Layton Chair – About Us – Ryerson University |access-date=March 18, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402095737/http://www.ryerson.ca/politics/about-us/how-we-collaborate/chairs/jack-layton-chair/ |archive-date=April 2, 2015 }}</ref>
* The [[Broadbent Institute]] awards an annual Jack Layton Progress Prize to "recognize the person or organization that has created and fielded an exceptional and successful campaign for progressive change."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.broadbentinstitute.ca/en/blog/introducing-jack-layton-and-charles-taylor-awards |title=Introducing the Jack Layton and Charles Taylor Awards &#124; Broadbent Institute |access-date=March 18, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310232639/http://www.broadbentinstitute.ca/en/blog/introducing-jack-layton-and-charles-taylor-awards |archive-date=March 10, 2016 }}</ref>
* Parc Jack-Layton in Layton's hometown of [[Hudson, Quebec]], was named in 2012. Previously known as Hudson Marina, the park is located by the shore of [[Lake of Two Mountains]]. Layton's widow, Olivia Chow, along with family members and MP Tom Mulcair, attended the renaming ceremony.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/quebec-town-renames-park-in-honour-of-jack-layton-1.1198035|title=Quebec town renames park in honour of Jack Layton|publisher=[[CBC News]]|access-date=June 24, 2012|date=June 23, 2012}}</ref>
* A plaque commemorating Layton was unveiled in 2013 in Toronto's [[Withrow Park]] in front on an oak tree that was planted in his memory.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rememberingjacklayton.ca/insidetoronto-jack-layton-honoured-with-plaque-in-toronto-danforth/|title=InsideToronto: Jack Layton Honoured with Plaque in Toronto-Danforth|date=September 17, 2013|access-date=May 16, 2017}}</ref>
* The educational organization Learning for a Sustainable Future has established the LSF Jack Layton Award for Youth Action in Sustainability to honour schools that have "responded to community challenges with creativity, responsible citizenship and innovative action".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lsf-lst.ca/en/projects/education-sustainable/competitions/jack-layton-award|title=LSF's Jack Layton Award for Youth Action in Sustainability|access-date=May 16, 2017|archive-date=May 2, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160502221327/http://www.lsf-lst.ca/en/projects/education-sustainable/competitions/jack-layton-award|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* Toronto's Woodgreen Community Services renamed their seniors' housing building at 1070 [[Queen Street (Toronto)|Queen Street East]], Jack Layton Seniors' Housing in honour of Layton.
* The national headquarters of the federal NDP was named the "Jack Layton Building" after him.
* On 7 January 2017 he was posthumously awarded [[Meritorious Service Cross]] (MSC) by the Canadian Government.<ref>{{cite web |title=Canada Gazette, Part I, Volume 151 |date=January 7, 2017 |url=https://canadagazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p1/2017/2017-01-07/html/gh-rg-eng.html |publisher=Canada Gazette |access-date=14 January 2024}}</ref>

==Selected works==
* {{cite book|last=Layton|first=Jack|title=Homelessness: The Making and Unmaking of a Crisis|year= 2000|publisher=[[Penguin Books|Penguin]]|location= Toronto|isbn= 978-0-14-028888-9|oclc=45045233}}
* {{cite book|last=Layton|first=Jack|author-mask=1|title=Speaking Out: Ideas that Work For Canadians|year=2004|publisher=[[Key Porter Books]]|location=Toronto|isbn=978-1-55263-577-3|oclc=53963558|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/speakingoutideas0000layt}}
* {{cite book|last=Layton|first=Jack|author-mask=1|title=Speaking Out Louder: Ideas that Work For Canadians|year=2006|publisher=Key Porter Books|location=Toronto|isbn=978-1-55263-688-6|oclc=62346602|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/speakingoutloude0000layt}} (revised and expanded edition of ''Speaking Out: Ideas that Work For Canadians'')

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
* [https://www.ndp.ca/jacklayton New Democratic Party] – NDP official website
* {{Canadian Parliament links|ID=3730}}

{{S-start}}
{{S-par|ca}}
{{S-bef|before=[[Dennis Mills]]}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[Member of Parliament (Canada)|Member of Parliament]] for [[Toronto—Danforth (federal electoral district)|Toronto—Danforth]]|years=2004–2011}}
{{S-aft|after=[[Craig Scott (politician)|Craig Scott]]}}
{{S-off}}
{{S-bef|before=[[Dan Heap]]}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[City Councillor]] for Ward 6 of the [[Old Toronto|City of Toronto]]|years=1982–1985}}
{{S-aft|after=[[Dale Martin (Canadian politician)|Dale Martin]]}}
{{S-bef|before=[[John Sewell]]}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[City Councillor]] for Ward 6 of the [[Old Toronto|City of Toronto]] and<br />[[Councillor]] of [[Metropolitan Toronto]]|years=1985–1988}}
{{S-non|reason=Moved to direct elections}}
{{S-bef|before=[[Dale Martin (Canadian politician)|Dale Martin]]}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[City Councillor]] for Ward 6 of the [[Old Toronto|City of Toronto]]|years=1988–1991}}
{{S-aft|after=[[Kyle Rae]]}}
{{S-bef|before=[[Roger Hollander]]}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[Councillor]] for Don River Ward of [[Metropolitan Toronto]]|years=1994–1997}}
{{S-non|reason=Office abolished}}
{{S-new|creation}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[City Councillor]] for Ward 25 (Don River)<br />of the [[Toronto|City of Toronto]]|years=1997–2000}}
{{S-non|reason=Office abolished}}
{{S-new|creation}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[City Councillor]] for Ward 30 (Broadview-Greenwood)<br />of the [[Toronto|City of Toronto]]|years=2000–2003}}
{{S-aft|after=[[Paula Fletcher]]}}
{{S-bef|before=[[Michael Ignatieff]]}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[Leader of the Official Opposition (Canada)|Leader of the Opposition]]|years=2011}}
{{S-aft|after=[[Nycole Turmel]]}}
{{S-ppo}}
{{S-bef|before=[[Alexa McDonough]]}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[New Democratic Party (Canada)|Leader of the New Democratic Party]]|years=2003–2011}}
{{S-aft|after=[[Nycole Turmel]] <br /> <small>interim</small> }}
{{s-end}}

{{Jack Layton}}
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{{Subject bar|portal1=Biography|portal2=Canada |portal3=Politics|commons=yes|commons-search=Category:Jack Layton|n=yes|n-search=Category:Jack Layton|q=yes}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Layton, Jack}}
[[Category:Jack Layton| ]]
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