The Last Goodbye

The media hype was building all week so I, like millions of Canadians, watched as Jack Layton, the leader of the Opposition, was memorialized yesterday, after his passing last Monday. How could one not watch when one commentator on Thursday declared this event as "Just like the death of Princess Diana." Now that is a tall order to fill and as it turns out, only a 'died in the wool' Canadian was even aware of this event as opposed to the whole world being fixated on the death of a Princess. Having said that, a state funeral is no small thing, and it was done up in a truly Canadian fashion.

What do I mean by that? For starters, in the true spirit of the CRTC, the media watchdog for Canada with a decidedly socialistic bent, Canadian content was a prerequisite. Steven Page of  'Bare Naked Ladies' fame, sang a familiar piece, 'Alleluia', which has a token churchy sort of religious sound but for the fact that it is a shout to life as opposed to a praise to God. The lead singer for 'The Parachute Club' also gave a contribution but singing in the same key as her band would have been a nice touch. 

And no state occasion can begin without a ceremony lead by a First Nations elder, complete with feathers. If Jack had Indian status, I was not aware. 

Of course, all dignitaries and the who's who of Ottawa were in attendance. When Stephen Lewis, the epitome of Canadian socialism, gave a tribute, there was a standing ovation and the Conservative ministers of the government were put in a tight spot. Dare they stand and condone the statement that Jack's dying words were a manifesto of Canadian Justice and fairness? Jack's ideals are the ideals of everyone in Canada, but there are differing opinions on how to achieve those goals. With the lead of Prime Minister Harper, they all finally stood up. It was the decent thing to do. 

And who would a true Canadian socialist choose to give a sermon at his memorial? Think hard. How about a gay, yet married man of the cloth.  The reverend Brent Hawkes stated that Jack was a very spiritual person and came to church every Christmas, and always asked about his husband. Mr. Hawkes was very articulate, sincere, and his message was well crafted, but his world view is certainly not the same as mine. "It matters not what spiritual journey you are on, but that you are on one." That is an all inclusive statement that precludes any absolute truth. But that is really the way the whole world is going and Mr. Hawkes has legitimized that idea for undecided Canadians at a very high profile and dignified event. We will all know absolute truth when we pass from this life to the next, and that is something that Jack is dealing with at this very moment. 

Judging by all the accolades, Jack was a perfect man. Well, we know that to be untrue, just as it is in our own lives. He has skeletons in his closet, as we all do. How easy to idolize a man after his passing. 

And what about his legacy? He will enter the history books as the only NDP leader to take his party to Official Opposition status. He was a very likable and charismatic leader and friend to many. He was responsible for the demise of the Bloc Quebecois, but time will tell if the NDP becomes the new voice of the self described disenfranchised French Canadian. One of Jack's last tasks was to appoint his successor, and he cleverly chose someone who has ties to Quebec separatism. He will be remembered  very favourably by his family. He will be an inspiration to aspiring social activists and will no doubt be declared a saint by his party. We can only hope that the remembrance of his style will bring a bit of lacking civility into the House of Commons. He galvanized his party in life, but will his death now have the same effect?  

No doubt, Jack will, in the end, have done some good for Canada.