It’s hard to believe that, four years ago tomorrow, our friend Jack Layton passed away. I say hard to believe because he still seems very present to me.

The progressive causes and organizations he poured his heart into across the country continue their great work and serve as a living testament to his spirit.

Whenever I look at the windmill on the downtown Toronto shore, I think of his determination to popularize renewable energy

Whenever I read about efforts to combat violence against women, I’m reminded of his co-founding of the White Ribbon Campaign.

Whenever I see great community leaders taking the leap into electoral politics, I see the embodiment of his passionate belief that public service is the highest of callings.

Wherever you are on Saturday, take a moment to remember Jack’s legacy. He believed that Canada was a “great country – one of the hopes of the world” and that we can be even better. His final charge to Canadians is more relevant than ever:

“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.”

source: The Broadbent Institute
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