Jack Layton Quotes
Born: July 18, 1950
Jack Layton was a visionary Canadian politician and activist whose impassioned calls for social justice and environmental stewardship transcended politics, resonating deeply with artists and creators. As leader of the New Democratic Party, he championed the transformative power of creativity, believing that art and imagination were essential tools for building a more compassionate world. His iconic message—that hope and optimism are acts of resistance—continues to inspire those who seek to channel their creative energy into meaningful change. Layton’s quotes endure because they speak to the artist’s soul: reminding us that even in the face of adversity, we can paint a brighter future through courage, solidarity, and unwavering belief in the human spirit.
Jack Layton Quotes (12)
"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."
— Jack Layton"Hope and optimism have defined my political career, and I continue to be hopeful and optimistic about Canada. Young people have been a great source of inspiration for me."
— Jack Layton"Canada is a great country, one of the hopes of the world."
— Jack Layton"Remember our proud history of social justice, universal health care, public pensions and making sure no one is left behind. Let's continue to move forward."
— Jack Layton"To other Canadians who are on journeys to defeat cancer and to live their lives, I say this: please don't be discouraged that my own journey hasn't gone as well as I had hoped. You must not lose your own hope."
— Jack Layton"I played a lot of squash for a lot of years."
— Jack Layton"People that go through serious illness - you can either go one way or the other. You can either become despondent about it all. Or it kind of rejuvenates you, makes you focus on what's important."
— Jack Layton"A prime minister's job is to make sure the government works for those who have elected him, and not for big corporations."
— Jack Layton"There are great challenges before you, from the overwhelming nature of climate change to the unfairness of an economy that excludes so many from our collective wealth, and the changes necessary to build a more inclusive and generous Canada. I believe in you."
— Jack Layton"We have this historic problem that we have a quarter of our population, the people of Quebec, who have never signed on to the Constitution. That can't go on forever."
— Jack Layton"Canadians can get Parliament working again. Here's how to do that: elect more New Democrats."
— Jack Layton"The responsibility of a minister is to step aside when there is a criminal investigation of the department. That protects the propriety of Parliament and of responsible government."
— Jack Layton