August, 2011:

On behalf of the 230,000 members of CUPE in the province of Ontario, we would like to extend our most sincere condolences and solidarity to the family of Jack Layton. Jack Layton, who made history just months ago by becoming Canada's first NDP Leader of the Opposition, lost his battle with cancer this morning.

Members of CUPE across Ontario are shocked and saddened by today's news.  Jack has been a remarkable ally and friend to working people in Ontario for decades.  From his time on Toronto City Council to his final act in Parliament standing up for workers' rights, Jack has fought for all of us and for a better vision of Canada.  He has inspired us to action, encouraged us to believe and defined our Party in the last decade with his relentless optimism.

Today, as New Democrats, trade unionists and working Canadians, we mourn the loss of our brother, friend and leader Jack Layton while recommitting ourselves to continue his fight for a better Canada.

                                                                             Candace Rennick
                                                                             Secretary-Treasurer