All walks of life attended the state funeral in Toronto of New Democratic Party Leader Jack Layton. Members of Parliament, Members of Provincial Parliaments, City Councillors, conservatives, liberals and former Canadian officials attended the emotional procession of Jack Layton.
A range of sentiment was felt Saturday. From the sounds of Samuel Barber’s famous “Adagio for Strings” to an impromptu street music performance of “When the Saints Go Marching In,” thousands of Canadians wept, applauded and cheered for not only Layton’s death but also his life.
Along University Avenue, thousands, many sporting bright orange colours, paid tribute Layton as his coffin was being taken to Roy Thomson Hall.
Led by his wife and fellow NDP Member of Parliament, Olivia Chow, followed by his son, City Councillor Mike Layton, and daughter, Sarah, the sombre march prompted applause and many attempting to catch a glimpse of the hearse and the family’s sadness.
Some of those in attendance included former Toronto Mayor David Miller, Interim Liberal Party Leader Bob Rae, former Liberal Party Leader Stephane Dion, Conservative Members of Parliament John Carmichael and Joe Oliver and Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath.
Thousands watched the ceremony on two large screens at David Pecaut Square just outside of Roy Thomson Hall. As performers played music, men, women and children cried.
Layton will be cremated and his ashes will be scattered in
three separate locations. The first location is the Toronto Islands where he married Chow in 1988. The second location will be at a cemetery in Quebec where they will be planted with a tree. The last will be buried in St. James Cemetery in Toronto.
Cities across Canada will commemorate Layton by lighting up buildings with orange. The
CN Tower will be lit up orange until dusk Sunday and
Niagara Falls will also be lit orange.
Interim Liberal Party of Canada Leader Bob Rae speaking with the media
Former Liberal Party Leader Stephane Dion speaking with people attending Jack Layton's state funeral.
Jack Layton's procession along University Avenue.
Jack Layton's procession along University Avenue.
Jack Layton's procession along University Avenue.
Jack Layton's procession along University Avenue.
Jack Layton's procession along University Avenue.
Jack Layton's procession along University Avenue.
The hearse carrying Jack Layton's coffin.
Vehicles driving along University Avenue en route to Roy Thomson Hall.
NDP Member of Parliament and wife of Jack Layton, Olivia Chow, leading the procession.
NDP Member of Parliament and wife of Jack Layton, Olivia Chow, leading the procession.
City Councillor Mike Layton, son of Jack Layton, walking in the procession.
Jack Layton's coffin being carried into Roy Thomson Hall.
Thousands gathering at Roy Thomson Hall to watch the state funeral and pay their final respects to Jack Layton.
Jack Layton's coffin being carried into Roy Thomson Hall.
Thousands gathering at Roy Thomson Hall to watch the state funeral and pay their final respects to Jack Layton.
Thousands gathering at Roy Thomson Hall to watch the state funeral and pay their final respects to Jack Layton.
