30+ Jack Layton Quotes (Inspirational, Visionary And Energetic)

Jack Layton was a Canadian politician and leader of the New Democratic Party. He served as leader of the NDP from 2003 until his death in 2011. He was also a Member of Parliament, and served as leader of the Official Opposition in 2011.

Top 10 Jack Layton Quotes

1. 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.
2. The responsibility of a minister is to step aside when there is a criminal investigation of the department. That protects the propriety of Parliament and of responsible government.
3. Cherish every moment with those you love at every stage of your journey.
4. Remember our proud history of social justice, universal health care, public pensions and making sure no one is left behind. Let's continue to move forward.
5. Hope and optimism have defined my political career, and I continue to be hopeful and optimistic about Canada. Young people have been a great source of inspiration for me.
6. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world.
7. Well, I say it's time to take Stephen Harper to the woodshed!
8. Canadians can get Parliament working again. Here's how to do that: elect more New Democrats.
9. I think Paul Martin doesn't mean what he says. He said he would clear this sort of thing up and he didn't do it.
10. I believe how I live my life every day is my act of worship.

Jack Layton Short Quotes

• Canada is a great country, one of the hopes of the world.
• Ideas are always more important than money.
• Don't let them tell you it can't be done.
• We want to challenge the established ideas with new ideas.
• When you're sick, you present your medicare card, not your credit card.
• Are we allowed to sing? I imagine that at times, it might improve the tone of the debate.
• Always have a dream that will outlast your lifetime.
• I don't know why we'd need so many more prisons when the crooks seem so happy in the Senate.
• I want to share with you my belief in your power to change this country and this world.

Jack Layton Famous Quotes And Sayings

I believe that when Paul Martin cancelled affordable housing across this country it produced a dramatic rise in homelessness and deaths due to homelessness. I've always said I hold him responsible for that. — Jack Layton

There are great challenges before you, from the overwhelming nature of climate change to the unfairness of an economy that excludes so many from our collective wealth, and the changes necessary to build a more inclusive and generous Canada. I believe in you. — Jack Layton

Treatments and therapies have never been better in the face of this disease. You have every reason to be optimistic, determined, and focused on the future. My only other advice is to cherish every moment with those you love at every stage of your journey, as I have done this summer. — Jack Layton

Free speech is one of our fundamental principles and it's pretty hard to speak freely when people are yelling at you when it's your turn. That would never be allowed in a classroom or in any other kind of meeting. — Jack Layton

I've always favoured proposition over opposition. But we will oppose the government when it's off track. We'll support positive suggestions that we'll bring forward and support the government when it's making progress. — Jack Layton

And finally, to all Canadians: Canada is a great country, one of the hopes of the world. We can be a better one – a country of greater equality, justice, and opportunity. We can build a prosperous economy and a society that shares its benefits more fairly. We can look after our seniors. We can offer better futures for our children. We can do our part to save the world's environment. We can restore our good name in the world. — Jack Layton

To other Canadians who are on journeys to defeat cancer and to live their lives, I say this: please don't be discouraged that my own journey hasn't gone as well as I had hoped. You must not lose your own hope. — Jack Layton

Some people think the NDP may want to get rid of the monarchy but I can assure you that that's absolutely not the case. My Dad was a big time monarchist and so am I. — Jack Layton

If I've tried to bring anything to federal politics, it's the idea that hope and optimism should be at their heart. — Jack Layton

Politics matters. Ideas matter. Democracy matters, because all of us need to be able to make a difference. — Jack Layton

If it's a flash it's been an awfully long flash. I've been around for 20 years in one of the largest media and political markets in the country, so I'd call it more of a slow burn. — Jack Layton

Life Lessons by Jack Layton

1. Jack Layton taught us the importance of resilience and perseverance, no matter the odds. He never gave up on his vision of a better Canada, and inspired others to join him in his fight for social justice and equality.
2. He showed us the power of optimism and positivity, even in the face of adversity. He believed that a better future was possible, and he worked tirelessly to make that future a reality.
3. He demonstrated the importance of collaboration and cooperation, both within and across party lines. He was willing to work with anyone who shared his vision, and he sought out common ground to build a better Canada.