Jack Layton, the NDP Leader, was known for his bilingual fluency, charismatic charm, and vibrant energy, always ready to engage with the media. He enjoyed lifting the spirits of his colleagues by playing his guitar and singing enthusiastically, even if his vocal talent wasn’t exceptional. Raised in a politically active family, Layton served as a left-leaning city councillor in Toronto for 17 years and led the Federation of Canadian Municipalities for a year. In 2003, he took on the role of leader of the federal New Democratic Party, eventually leading the NDP to become the Official Opposition for the first time in history during the 2011 federal election. Written by (STAFF)