The outpouring of love and emotion following Jack Layton’s death has dredged up two painful truths: There is such a thing as Canadian politics, and we Canadians almost let it disappear.
That first truth elevated Jack above many of his counterparts. Where some seek division, he sought unity. Where some wield spite, he chose dignity. While others pursue gain, well, he did too. After all, politics isn’t a selfless sport, but Jack made it clear that if he won, he would share the spoils.
The second, so brutally highlighted by Jack’s passing and its resulting vacuum in Ottawa, sadly reveals what we have let our House of Parliament become.
Jack’s method of politics was for a long time dismissed as the token pang of conscience in our bitter, bloody, ruthless and unchangeable body politic. His idealism was sweeping and grand because it could be. As the leader of the third party, he was never expected to deliver on his promises.
Then, on May 2, 2011, Canadians looked at the state of their Parliament and chose another way.
We’ll never know if Jack could have married his idealism to the pragmatism needed for rule. We won’t know if, or how, official Opposition status would have impacted his policies, his idealism, his hopefulness. But we can be sure it would not have changed his way of doing politics, and this is why his passing feels so personal to so many.
Jack showed us that public discourse can be honest. It can be polite. Our representatives can be driven and idealistic, tactful and fierce, and yet they can overcome their differences to work together. Honourable traits don’t have to relegate politicians to the fringes. Our Parliament can turn party divides into common ground, rather than razor-wired barrens.
And Jack’s death has reminded us that Parliament is the people’s house. We can – we must – demand that our representatives inside those walls treat each other with the same respect, civility, tolerance and understanding that we expect on our streets, at our schools, in our workplaces, and inside our homes.
We fight for this co-operative spirit around the world, and we should expect it from our elected representatives. It’s the Canadian way. Jack showed us that it is possible. Now it’s time for Canadians of every political persuasion to ensure we make it so.
(Addendum: Links to Jack's letter to Canadians and Stephen Lewis's eulogy.)
(PS: I say 'we' despite the fact that, as a resident, I cannot vote. When I gain my citizenship, Jack, I'll raise a glass to you.)
