OTTAWA – With great regret, Member of Parliament John Rafferty (Thunder Bay–Rainy River) would like to issue the following statement on the passage of New Democrat Leader Jack Layton.
“This is a very sad for day for New Democrats and Canadians alike. Today, we have lost a courageous, determined, and inspiring leader.
From his first day on the job as New Democrat Leader, Jack worked tirelessly to improve the lives of all Canadians with a determination that is rarely seen among our political leaders.
I will not forget Jack’s commitment to the core values and principles of the New Democratic Party; to preserving and increasing the dignity, freedom, equality, fairness, and opportunity of all Canadians. I remain very proud that more and more Canadians have come to understand and support these values and principles during Jack’s time as our leader.
For three elections and one term in office I stood with Jack in our fight for a more just society. For those of us who live in northern and rural communities across Canada we have lost a friend and ally who helped us put our issues on the national agenda.
I remain proud and will never forget my time working with Jack. Because of his determination and leadership I am more committed than ever to the pursuit of those values that we and millions of Canadians, share and wish to see advanced in our society moving forward.
Thank you Jack.”
Mr. Rafferty would also like to his constituents to know that they may drop of letters, cards, or other items to any of his three constituency offices. He will hand deliver all items to Mr. Layton’s wife and Member of Parliament Olivia Chow (Trinity – Spadina)
Thunder Bay Constituency Office
409 George Street
Thunder Bay, ON P7E 5Y9
Fort Frances Constituency Office
140 4th Street West
Fort Frances, ON P9A 3B8
Atikokan Constituency Office
113A Main Street East
P.O. Box 40
Atikokan, ON P0T 1C0
