Jack Layton statue unveiled on second anniversary of his death
Posted Aug 22, 2013 02:02:18 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
TORONTO – A bronze statue of Jack Layton was unveiled on the Toronto waterfront on the second anniversary of the federal NDP leader’s death.
The life-sized sculpture — “Jack’s Got Your Back. Stronger Together: The Layton Memorial” — depicts Layton sitting on the back seat of a tandem bicycle. Visitors will be able to sit on the front seat and have their picture taken.
At the unveiling ceremony, the Toronto Island Ferry Terminal was also renamed after the late NDP leader by the city.
A plaque at the memorial is inscribed with an excerpt from Layton’s last letter: “So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world.”
The statue was created by Toronto sculptor David Pellettier and MST Bronze Limited and is a gift from the Ontario Federation of Labour.
Layton’s widow Olivia Chow and his son, Coun. Mike Layton, were in attendance, as well as Mayor Rob Ford, Coun. Pam McConnell and OFL president Sid Ryan.
Layton died on Aug. 22, 2011, after a battle with cancer just months after leading his party to an unprecedented 103 seats in the May 2 federal election. He was 61.
— With a report from The Canadian Press
