Executive Bio - Jack Layton, NDP Leader

 The Honourable Jack Layton has served as the leader of the New Democratic Party of Canada since 2003. In just seven short years, Layton has made his mark in the House of Commons. As leader of the NDP, he has fought for equality, the rights of women and seniors, and has not been shy to voice his opinions about the environment and climate change. Layton’s hard work and determination was recognized in the last parliamentary session when parliament passed his landmark Climate Change Accountability Act.

Layton is also passionate about homelessness. “As leader, I am proud that closing the poverty gap is a fundamental goal for the NDP,” says Layton. “I have worked on issues related to homelessness and housing throughout my political career.” His zeal for ending poverty became even more visible by the writing of his book, Homelessness: The Making and Unmaking of a Crisis.

Layton’s political journey began in 1982 when he was elected to Toronto City Council. It was the start of a highly successful tenure in which he was re-elected six times. To date he shows no signs of slowing down despite battling a curable form of prostrate cancer; he is meant to be a public servant. “For me, the best part about politics is having the ability to make a difference in the day to day lives of people,” said Layton. That drive to make a difference is what keeps him motivated on a daily basis.

 

Layton obtained a Bachelors Degree in Political Science at McGill University and a Masters and PhD degree in Political Science from York University. In 1974, he became a professor at Ryerson University, and has since taught politics at all of Toronto’s universities. He was born in Montreal, Quebec in 1950, and lives in Toronto with his wife, and fellow NDP Member of Parliament Olivia Chow.

The New Democratic Party of Canada, commonly referred to as the NDP, was founded in 1961 under the leadership of Tommy Douglas. The NDP is a social democratic party, claiming the far left side of the Canadian political spectrum. They advocate, among other issues; gender equality, human rights, increasing corporate taxes, peacekeeping, and humanitarian aid.