NDP Leader Jack Layton has died after a battle with cancer. He was 61. (The Canadian Press)

Hours after Canada awoke to news that New Democratic Party Leader Jack Layton died Monday of cancer at age 61, his extraordinary political voice echoed once again via a personal letter the “indefatigable” politician wrote to Canadians.

The plea for “hope and optimism” was a political and personal manifesto by a man whose contribution was swiftly acknowledged by admirers and rivals alike.

Over his political career, Layton evolved from campus activist to rabble-rousing left-wing municipal councillor to the most electorally successful leader of the federal New Democrats in history, leading the party to a record 103 seats in the May election.

Layton’s death at 4:45 a.m. was announced by his wife, MP Olivia Chow, and his children Michael and Sarah Layton.





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Click here to read Jack Layton's letter to Canadians





