Ten years later, Jack continues to inspire with ‘Layton Legacy’
Celebration, scholarships and awards announced in honour of Jack’s dream
TORONTO – As the tenth anniversary of his passing approaches, the ‘Layton Legacy’ project has been launched to celebrate Jack Layton’s message of love, hope and optimism and to honour and inspire those who are working to build the better world Jack dreamed of.
Today’s launch of LaytonLegacy.ca officially opens applications for a new scholarship and awards in Jack’s name and announces a nation-wide celebration to be held on the tenth anniversary of Jack Layton’s death, August 22, 2021.
“The Layton Legacy is as much about remembering who Jack was and what he inspired in people, as it is about recognizing, inspiring and supporting a new generation of people who share his vision for a more loving, hopeful and optimistic future,” said Olivia Chow who was Jack’s partner in life, politics and activism. “Most people across Canada already know Jack as the leader of the NDP. That leadership came from his passion for learning, teaching, and fighting for justice and fairness.”
Applications are now being accepted for awards in two categories and a scholarship.
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The Indigenous Leadership Award will recognize and support Indigenous activists who are powerful changemakers in their communities and beyond.
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The Layton Activism Award will honour groups that are demonstrating Jack’s belief in our collective strength to organize for transformative change.
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The Scholarship For Proressive Change will be established in memory of Jack’s passionate work with students – in and out of the university classroom, – the Layton Legacy has established an academic scholarship for undergraduate, masters, and PHD students.
While the scholarship and awards are lasting tributes to Jack’s vision, “Love, Hope, and Optimism - Celebrating The Layton Legacy” will be an event in celebration of Jack’s life and activism that will be broadcast online with opportunities to join in across the country.
The event is being put together with the help of Canadian Music Hall of Fame member Steven Page and will feature an incredible line-up of passionate advocates, special guests, and talented artists who will inspire, motivate and entertain us.
“Now, more than ever, Jack's message of love, hope and optimism is needed as we face the challenges this next decade will bring – from building a recovery that leaves no one behind to tackling climate change and finally moving toward reconciliation in a meaningful way,” said Mike Layton, Jack’s son and Toronto City Councillor. “This special virtual event will be full of stories, music and calls to action - featuring old and new friends - just as Jack would have wanted.”
LaytonLegacy.ca is now live and people from across Canada are encouraged to search the site to learn more about Jack, the scholarship and awards, the celebration on August 22, and how they can be part of the Layton Legacy.
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