A Strong Public Service for Tough Economic Times: Jack Layton at the CUPE National Convention

Jack Layton's reputation speaks for itself. For more than two decades he has been dedicated to public service - as a councillor, scholar, president of the federation of Canadian municipalities, chair of the Toronto board of Health, and the city's Member of Parliament and deputy mayor. Since 2003, he has lead the New Democratic Party of Canada and in 2008, successfully increased the federal caucus by almost 25% - just 6 seats less than at the party's peak during the 1980s. On October 9th, Jack Layton gave a speech at this year's CUPE National Convention in Montreal. In it, he praised the work of public sector employees and their families, and emphasized the importance of strong public services in overcoming economic recession.