Jack Layton

To say that I've ever agreed with Jack Layton's policies would be untrue. If I were a Canadian, I'd undoubtedly vote for the Conservative Party. But I do respect the late leader of the NDP; he was undoubtedly one of the better politicians in the western world. Layton became the party's leader in 2003, at a time when it had a mere 13 seats in Parliament, thus making it the 4th largest party by quite some way (the third largest, the Bloc Québécois, had 25 more seats).

Under Layton, this grew to 19 seats in 2004, then to 29 seats in 2006, then to 37 seats in 2008. The 2011 election seemed to greatly upset the status quo. Though the Conservatives won, the NDP surged to attain 103 seats, their highest electoral result ever, thus entering the role of opposition for the first time ever. In the same election, the Greens attained their first ever Parliamentary seat, and the Bloc Québécois were almost wiped out, going from 47 to 4 seats.

The key to Layton's success seems to be more than just the luck and political savvy that every politician needs to be a success. The 2011 campaign was bold and, ultimately, a well-deserved success for the NDP. Layton stated boldly his ambitions for Canada - to become Prime Minister. Layton argued passionately that his party had the best economic and social policies. The NDP confroted the Bloc Québécois in their stronghold and won; indeed, many NDP gains came from Quebec. Layton's charisma and sound policies (even those of us who disagree with them must admit they are indeed sound) were not alone in turning him into the Leader of the Opposition this year; it was also down to his radical new approach to the electoral process.

It remains to be seen whether or not the NP can continue the electoral success started by Layton. A letter written by Layton a mere two days before his death is full of optimism, but it remains to be see whether a new full-time leader - Layton's letter gives the impression this will take place in the new year - can continue the wave of optimism and electoral success ushered in by Layton.

Today, it was announced that Layton would be honoured with a rare state funeral. It is a fitting tribute to an extraordinary man in Canadian politics.