Jack Layton Progress Prize

The late Jack Layton served as leader of the New Democratic Party of Canada from 2003 to 2011, when he became the Leader of the Official Opposition.

During his long career in public service, Layton was fond of a great campaign. Whether working with local environmentalists to erect a windmill on the Lake Ontario shore, co-founding the White Ribbon campaign for gender justice, shining a light on the scourge of homelessness, or running in multiple political campaigns at the municipal and federal levels, Layton loved nothing more than the creation of empowering efforts to rally people around a common cause.

In his honour, and in partnership with Olivia Chow, the Jack Layton Progress Prize is awarded annually to an individual or organization who has run a particularly noteworthy political or issue campaign reflecting the ideals exemplified by Layton, including justice, sustainability and democracy.

Qualifications:

Commitment to progressive/social democratic values and movement

Primary responsibility for executing the campaign in question over the previous year or exemplary movement building gaining significant momentum in the previous year

Vision, engagement, imagination, and effectiveness as an individual or organizational leader, including representing and/or engaging the diversity of Canada

2020 winner: Catherine Abreu

2019 winner: Leilani Farha

2017 winner: Cindy Blackstock

2016 winner: Jill Piebiak (Canadian Menstruators)

2015 winner: February 14th Women's Memorial March Committee