Pragmatic socialism is deeply engrained in Canadian culture, even more so in Québec's. I fear the "-isms", however: it's too easy to label someone with such words and simultaneously cover up their particularities. It's quite evident in American media, where that word is thrown around in the most idiotic and partisan ways.

Even though I disagreed with most of his policies, I still thought he was a good person and would have loved to sit down and debate him. I hope there are some more good people in the back rooms of the NDP that can step forward to help hold the government accountable (even as a Conservative, I think there is value in a strong loyal opposition).

Wow, this crowd is truely pathetic, only 3 people have actually payed a sign of respect to probably one of the greatest politicians ever to live.

How diplomatic of you. Have you ever considered that many of us may not have even heard of "the greatest politician to ever live"? (Now that is quite the claim.) Either way he sounds like a interesting figure and one of the few openly pragmatist politicians of late. I sympathize with your loss.

im sorry, but Canadian politics./politicians does not get a lot of attention in the Netherlands.

RIP. Great Canadian.
Whether or not you are Canadian, you should read the letter he wrote to Canada from his deathbed. Pretty inspiring stuff.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2011/08/22/pol-layton-last-letter.html

Yeah, apart from Canadians, the only other people interested in Canada are Americans and only because they like to make fun of you. Plus I would have thought one of the greatest politicians ever to live should be someone who played a key role in the country's politics, being the leader of the opposition at tops doesn't pass the cut no matter the potential.

its because were so great they have to make fun of us to make themselves feel better

Found out at lunch today. It was really startling news. I've been a supporter of the NDP for years, and have volunteered in their campaigns. I'd like to invite you all to raise a glass for a great Canadian and an inspirational leader. And if you have a moment spare a tear and a thought for the loss suffered by both his family and Canada.

Yes, as a Canadian and ardent supporter of the left, and consistent NDP voter, I was shocked and saddened to hear the most charismatic and principled leader that party has ever had was dead. Particularly after his greatest success; leading the party to it's big Quebec breakthrough and its biggest electoral victory ever. He will be missed.

question is what comes now to the NDP, how many seats will they loose without him? Or will they get more seats due to sympathy votes?

Even as a conservative Canadian, I highly respected Layton and his style of politics. Canada needs more leaders like him, in every party.

agree

I don't know about 'most charismatic and principled leader that party has ever had.' Ed Broadbent was pretty good too. (my memory does not go farther back then that). But certainly better then the two in between.

So who should be the next leader - my vote is for Paul Dewar (MP Ottawa Center).

Another option would be Bob Rae, and we will have a united left to go against a united right and devolve into a 2-party system. [For non-Canadians, Bob Rae is the leader of the liberal party, and former NDP premiere of Ontario]

Not commenting on whether that would be desirable or not Joey, but a merger of the Liberals with the NDP is highly unlikely at the moment.

Without going into the hyperbolic comments of "greatest politician ever", his death is a loss for the democratic health of our country. I think Canadians of all political allegiances will agree.

Fasces: Canada is a small player in the international scene, don't be surprised if Diplomacy players of other parts of the world never heard of Jack Layton. For example: what do you know about the politicians of India (country with roughly same nominal GDP as Canada's) ?