THUNDER BAY – Prime Minister Harper made the offer to Olivia Chow MP, the partner of the Honourable Jack Layton, Leader of Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition and Member of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada for a State Funeral. Ms. Chow accepted. The Lying-in-State for Mr Layton will take place in the foyer of the House of Commons in Ottawa on Wednesday, August 24 and Thursday, August 25. It will be open to the public from 12:30 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday and from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday.
Canadians can also pay tribute to Mr. Layton as he lies in repose at Toronto City Hall on Friday, August 26 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Saturday, August 27 beginning at 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 27, 2011, at Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto. For more information on the State Funeral or to convey condolences to Mr. Layton’s family, Canadians can visit www.commemoration.gc.ca.
In Thunder Bay, a memorial service will be held for the late Jack Layton, Leader of the Official Opposition. A Book of Condolence for Layton’s family will be available for people to sign.
The non-denominational service will be open to the public:
Jack Layton Memorial Service
Time: 6:00pm
Date: Thursday, August 25
Location: Hillcrest Park
Books of Condolence may also be signed at the constituency offices of John Rafferty, MP and Bruce Hyer, MP during regular business hours. In lieu of flowers, Layton’s family has asked that people make a small donation to the Broadbent Institute: www.ndp.ca/inmemory
