The Hon. Dr. John (Jack) Layton
(1950-2011)

 Today, Canada lost one of its proudest sons. Jack Layton died peacefully at home with his family by his side. In his passing, Nellie’s grieves the loss of our beloved representative in Federal Parliament and one of our most ardent supporters and friend. 

It was less than a year ago, that we met with Jack at his office to discuss Nellie’s plans for a new shelter. He graciously provided us sage counsel as well as his support.

From the beginning of his career,  Jack championed the rights of those most marginalized in our communities, including women and their children fleeing violence, poverty and homelessness.

 After 14 women were killed at Ecole Polytechnique in Montreal by an anti-feminist on December 6th, 1989,  Jack became an instrumental leader of the White Ribbon Campaign  –  a campaign to mobilize men to end violence against women.

 Jack’s book, Homelessness: The Making and Unmaking of a Crisis outlined his views on the impact of poverty and homelessness. In 2008, he stood in parliament and spoke eloquently on the issues of women and poverty.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gH4JTv87MEs

Our thoughts are with Jack’s wife Olivia, and his children, Sarah and Michael during this difficult time. Jack will be missed.

Margarita Mendez, Executive Director                                                                       

Aug 22, 2011