Jack Layton's Message

Jack Layton's last letter, written on Saturday, is an inspiration to us all.

Canada Is Poorer Today

Jack Layton 1950 - 2011

Jack Layton, leader of the opposition, died today. He was an amazing politician.

Here is a letter Mr. Layton wrote to Canadians dated Saturday, August 20th. It is full of inspiration for others, a testament to the selflessness of this man.

In Canada hockey trumps politics

As you know we are in the middle of an election in Canada.

Last night there was a televised political debate between the candidates, in English. A televised political debate in French was due to take place tomorrow, Thursday, at the same time that the Montreal Canadiens faced the Boston Bruins. Certain to lose this battle the political parties agreed to move the date of the French language political debate to this evening to avoid a conflict with the Canadiens’ playoff game.

Only in Canada, eh?

Canadian Government defeated

Photo Guelph Mercury: The Speaker of the House follows the Sergeant-at-Arms who carries the Mace, which is removed from the House of Commons when Parliament is no longer in session.

By a vote to 156-145, the House of Commons has passed a non-confidence motion against Stephen Harper’s Conservative government, leading to Canada’s 41st election campaign.

Harper will visit Governor General David Johnston (the Queen’s representative in Canada) tomorrow to formally request the dissolution of Parliament.

Canadian Government due to fall this afternoon

LIVE: There is a vote of non-confidence in the Canadian Parliament, and it is widely believed that the Harper Government will fall, with a Canadian Election to be set for early May.

Elections in Canada are short, about 6 weeks in duration.

Boy faints near Prime Minister Harper

Photo 1: The gap behind the PM where the student fell. Photo: The Canadian Press

Photo 2: The PM visited the student before he left.

Prime Minister Harper visited a Guelph school last Friday. The students were standing behind the PM as he was answering questions. One boy started to fidget, then he passed out. Nothing happened for a moment, and the students looked shocked. Then they all filed off the platform behind the PM, an adult came and helped the poor boy off, and then some students shuffled back on again and voila, they replaced the boy with ANOTHER KID! Just like that. And this is Canada and as you Usian readers often tell us, we don’t have a lot of people here, so I’m impressed ;)

Seriously, though, I felt really bad for the boy, since this was being televised live. I would say to him that there’s no need to feel embarrassed, and you are not the first boy to pass out behind PM Harper.

A few years ago at a conservative party conference another boy standing behind PM Harper also passed out. It’s probably hot standing for a long time under those lights.

So, I’d say to the student who fainted, it's ok. Don’t feel embarrassed as it could have happened to anyone, especially if you skip breakfast. Given time you will realize you have an interesting story to tell.