Both supporters and non-supporters alike mourned the passing of federal New Democratic Party leader Jack Layton on Monday.
Layton, 61, died Monday following a lengthy battle with cancer. He had suffered from prostate cancer, and in July announced he was also suffering from a new, undisclosed form of cancer.
He had been leader of the NDP since 2003 and had recently led the party to its best electoral showing in history, winning 103 seats in Parliament in the May 2011 election. He stepped down in July to fight the new cancer, and had planned to return when parliament resumed in September.
Tribute was paid to him by numerous elected officials from across the country. Several from Saskatchewan politics noted Layton's fighting spirit not only in battling cancer but in his political life.
"You couldn't help but admire Jack Layton's spirit," noted Saskatchewan premier Brad Wall in a statement expressing condolences on behalf of the province.
"To find the physical and emotional strength to lead a successful national election campaign while fighting cancer - that will be remembered as one of the truly remarkable accomplishments in Canadian politics."
Provincial NDP leader Dwain Lingenfelter noted the passing of Layton, saying his "principle, determination and hard work achieved real benefits for Canadians."
"As a parliamentarian, Jack brought the concerns of real people into the House of Commons, where he fought for them tirelessly," said Lingenfelter in a statement.
"His is an example of principle, dedication, hard work and vision. Jack will continue to inspire as someone who fought hard to realize a vision of a Canada that is more just, more inclusive and more caring. It is a vision all New Democrats and all Canadians will continue to work together to achieve."
Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued a statement Monday, saying that Layton's contribution to Canadian public life "will be sorely missed."
"I know one thing: Jack Layton gave his battle with cancer everything he had. Indeed, Jack never backed down from a fight," the prime minister stated.
Federal Liberal leader Bob Rae also paid tribute, saying Layton "leaves a powerful legacy of a commitment to social justice in his work in Toronto as a city councillor and as a national leader."
In her statement, interim NDP leader Nycole Turmel said Layton "was a courageous man. It was his leadership that inspired me, and so many others, to run for office. We - Members of Parliament, New Democrats and Canadians - need to pull together now and carry on his fight to make this country a better place.
She added: " we remember the Tommy Douglas quote Jack included in every email he sent: 'Courage my friends, 'tis never too late to build a better world.'"
