Like all Canadians, we at the Union of National Employees are deeply saddened by the passing of Jack Layton. We identify with the words of Bruce Cameron of The Barrie Examiner when he dubs Mr. Layton “the best prime minister we never had”. But as Jack reminds us, the future is not bleak. In his letter to Canadians, Layton wrote:
My friends, love is better than anger.
Hope is better than fear.
Optimism is better than despair.
So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic.
And we’ll change the world.
As Layton was carried out of Parliament today, the Peace Tower bells rang the song Imagine by John Lennon. If you were unable to attend today’s ceremony or were in a different part of the country, this video is intensely poignant. There is no footage – only sound. If I may momentarily drift into active voice: I must express my deepest thanks to my sister, Stephanie René, for shooting this video for me – and doing a great job as impromptu Communications Officer – whilst I was away.
Describing the video, Stephanie wrote:
“I just wanted the sound so I covered the lens with my hand – I didn’t want to film his family during their time of mourning.”
