By RAY SPITERI Niagara Falls Review Updated 9 minutes ago
It's often said in the fraternity that is public office that the most admirable politician is the one who debates the issues and not their adversary.
Jack Layton was that kind of politician, according to federal colleagues and local elected officials.
"While we disagreed about political affiliation on a number of issues, I always respected Jack Layton," said Niagara Falls MP Rob Nicholson, who is also Canada's justice minister and attorney general.
"He had such dedication and love for Canada. I got along with him very well over the years. I never exchanged a bad word with the man."
Layton, the leader of the official NDP Opposition, died early Monday morning.
The 61-year-old had been battling cancer for more than a year. A month ago, he announced he was temporarily stepping aside from his job to fight the disease.
In May, Layton led the New Democratic Party to its best electoral showing in the party's history.
Quebec MP Nycole Turmel had temporarily assumed leadership duties when Layton stepped aside.
News of Layton's death came as a shock to many of his colleagues, despite his frail look during his last public appearance.
"With the enthusiasm and drive that he showed during the election campaign just three months ago, I can't believe he has passed away so quickly," said Nicholson.
Nicholson said he first bumped into Layton about 10 years ago when Layton was running for the presidency of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
Nicholson also served with Layton's father, Robert, in the 1980s and 1990s.
"His father was a Conservative MP and, like Jack, I liked and admired him immensely."
Niagara Falls Coun. Wayne Gates first met Layton in 2004 when Gates ran as an NDP MP candidate in the local federal riding.
Over the years, Gates, who is also president of the Canadian Auto Workers Local 199 union, ran into Layton at several functions.
"When you would talk to Jack, it was like you were life-long friends," said Gates. "You may have just met the man, but you came away feeling as though you grew up good friends.
"His passing is a sad day for the party, for his family and for our country. We lost a leader who, regardless of if you support the NDP, the Conservatives, the Liberals, or any other party, you respected."
Heather Kelley, who ran for the federal NDP in the Niagara Falls riding during the May 2 election, said Layton was an "honest" person and a "delight" to be around.
Along with meeting Layton on the campaign trail, Kelley, as a union representative with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, participated in numerous conferences with him.
"He listened to people and was never above them," she said. "He was very humble and had a way of putting issues and solutions in front of people that they could understand and rationalize with."
Kelley said while Layton has "gone to a better place where he can live without pain," he wishes his family the best as they cope with the loss.
"I have experienced cancer in my own family and it can devastate a whole family, not just the person living with the disease."
Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati met face-to-face with Layton during a Federation of Canadian Municipalities conference in June.
"He looked great in Halifax. He really did," said Diodati. "When I saw a picture of him weeks later in the paper, I was in complete disbelief. It's terribly sad the way cancer can ravage the body."
Layton has had a public struggle with cancer since announcing on Feb. 5, 2010, that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Last month, Layton called a press conference in Toronto to announce he was battling a new cancer and would be stepping down temporarily from the NDP leadership to focus on his health.
Diodati said while Layton's death is sad, it's nice that the Montreal native and former Toronto city councillor was able to see "part of his dream" come true.
"What he achieved with the federal New Democrats in the last election was impressive. He took that party to a new level. He went out on top of his game."
Kelley said she believes Layton's hard work and lasting legacy will spur the NDP on to even better and brighter days.
"He did a marvelous job at putting our issues on the table and Canadians listened," she said. "Although the majority of Canadians who voted went with the government of day, Jack led (the NDP) to an overwhelming second-place finish.
"He provided those who were looking for alternative solutions to current problems with a new voice.
"I think Canadians will continue to look for those alternative solutions and will continue to listen for that strong voice."
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