Canadians from coast to coast last week were at first shocked and moved by the announcement from federal NDP leader Jack Layton that he was once again ill from cancer, that he needed to take time off from his duties on Parliament Hill to seek treatment, and that the choosing of an interim leader of the party was necessary until he was fit for duty.
This startling news came just two months after Layton's NDP stunned the country in the May federal election with an unprecedented move up as the country's official opposition party, while at the same time sending the separatist Bloc Quebecois to political oblivion.
And what was also decidedly noticeable for most of last week was that the usual political gamesmanship and pettiness between political adversaries stopped, so moved as well by the class and grace the frail looking opposition leader displayed while making his announcement and moving forward with determination to face this weighty challenge of his life.
Jack Layton is not a popular politician here in Central Alberta, a bastion for conservative principles and as inhospitable a place as any to any political belief that leaves the slightest scent of socialism. The NDP has never won a seat in this part of the province, and chances are it won't in the foreseeable future.
But central Albertans are just as capable as other groups of citizens across Canada to put aside their political differences when compassion, understanding and empathy are clearly the appropriate order of the day.
Think back to late 1994 when news came that Lucien Bouchard, then the charismatic leader of the separatist Bloc Quebecois, was forced to have his leg amputated after contracting a case of flesh-eating disease. Canadians from coast to coast, including central Albertans, cast away their anger at Bouchard's separatist beliefs, which were then accepted in Quebec at unprecedented levels, for genuine concern and best wishes. It must be said that Bouchard made a remarkably quick recovery, so much so he nearly led separatist forces to victory the following year in the Quebec sovereignty referendum.
Feelings of compassion from central Albertans must also go out for Jack Layton, even if he represents a left-of-centre political philosophy that is almost as distasteful for central Albertans as separatism.
Putting aside Layton's political marriage to socialism, think of the human qualities that have come from this man just this year, the things that should make every Canadian feel proud and even humbled.
Already a cancer survivor once, Layton was forced to enter a federal election campaign recovering from a hip injury. He hobbled about across the country during the campaign on a cane, full of life and vigour. He was easily the most interesting and likeable of all the federal party leaders.
No one knows for sure how long Layton knew he was seriously ill. He did look fresh and full of life immediately after the election campaign but even the most hardened journalists and political observers were shocked by his rapidly deteriorating appearance at the press conference last week. He vowed to fight and move forward with all the energy he can muster in facing this huge challenge. What's more, Layton added, he fully intends to return to the House of Commons by early fall.
Whether that happens or not, central Albertans need only to wish the man well. There is no need to consider for a moment his political affiliation, or whether the so-called Orange Wave that swept through Quebec last May will one day arrive here.
There is a higher ideal at work right now, well beyond politics or what many would consider a healthy disdain for all or any things left of centre.
Through Jack Layton's strength, determination and perseverance we can all salute the very best qualities that are flowing through this fine man, and hope they inspire each and every one of us. These are the ideals that define this great country and people. They rise to a level that is the envy of every other nation and peoples of this world. They are also everything all Canadians and central Albertans can proudly aspire to each and every day.
