Parliament begins with tributes to Jack Layton

MPs returned to Parliament Hill after the summer break, and paid special tribute to the late Jack Layton.

It was an especially emotional day for the NDP caucus, which includes Layton’s widow, Olivia Chow. Wearing orange ribbons, they paid tribute to Layton — and offered their condolences to his family and friends.

Interim NDP leader Nycole Turmel pledged the party will carry on Layton’s legacy.

“I rise to address the house today beside an empty chair. In it sat a great Canadian, a great leader and a great parliamentarian. In this chair sat a friend and I know that many members on both side of this house called him the same.”

Prime Minister Stephen Harper says Layton’s optimism and good will merited the affection and respect of his fellow MPs.

“Sometimes… the surprise of friendships that grow between opponents the affections that develop in spite of our strongest partisan instincts. In the case of Jack Layton I believe all of us developed this affection for his passion, his perseverance, his ability to be at once tough and cheerful, would eventually win over even those who most strongly disagreed with him.”

Olivia Chow thanked Harper for his support, and Canadians, for their many tributes.

“The chalk at (Toronto) city hall is washed away but those messages will be with me forever. They are part of my renewed resolve, my resolve to continue to build on Jack’s legacy. A resolve built on values that were the guiding light for Jack Layton. Values shared by so many in this house and across the country. Our fundamental Canadian values of generosity, justice and equality.”

Video: Brittany Gogo reports: