On behalf of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), we send ourmost sincere condolences for the passing of Jack Layton, Leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP) of Canada.  Mr. Layton’s three decades of public service truly made Canada a greater country.

Mr. Layton lost his battle with cancer on August 22, 2011. His last letter was strong and passionate about what we can and must do not only in politics, but in life.  Most telling is his beautiful quote “My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful, and optimistic. And we’ll change the world.”

As the New Democratic Party wrote, “Layton’s torch will now be carried by every person who believes in a better tomorrow, every person who believes in dignity for our seniors and better opportunity for our youth – and by every person who believes through working together, we can make our great country even better.”

Mr. Layton made a difference on many issues during his political career, and we are particularly grateful for the stand he took against production and export of Canadian chrysotile asbestos to the developing world. Mr. Layton led by example and thanks to him, the candles of love, hope, and optimism will burn brightly forever in Canada and around the world.

With deep condolences to his family, colleagues, and Canadians,

Linda Reinstein, President/CEO and Co-Founder

Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO)