I told you so! 4

I had a similar experience about a year ago to the day. Beatrice and I go out walking a lot and would keep seeing individuals who resemble Jack Layton in restaurants or just out and about in Edmonton. I was amused by this because I knew a federal election was about to be called and I thought my political mind was in overdrive.

There was one day where we were walking down Whyte Avenue, in Edmonton, and again I notice this guy who looks like Jack Layton who is a few metres up the road. I should also mention that he is talking on his cell phone. At first I dismissed it as just another guy who looks like Layton, that is until I saw Provincial NDP Leader, of the day, Raj Pannu and newly minted Edmonton-Strathcona NDP candidate Malcolm Azania.

“Holy Shit, it’s Jack Layton,” I say to Beatrice. Raj Pannu knew me well because of my involvement in student lobbying, so he grabs me and calls over to Layton by saying, “Jack, there is someone I’d like you to meet.” I thought to myself, this is impressive, I’m being introduced to the federal NDP Leader by Raj Pannu. So Raj goes through the introductions and Beatrice was amused because she was also introduced as a student leader.

I wanted to demonstrate to Jack that I was aware of his activities since becoming NDP leader, and that I was a fan (I’m a loser too). So I tell him that I was impressed with the NDP campaign on “Which Flag is Paul Flying” (having to do with what country Canada Steamship Lines (Martin’s former company) was registered to save taxes and whether Martin is too sensitive to the needs of big business). Jack is like, “Yeah, yeah…” and then he proceeds to start talking to Beatrice encouraging her to run for the NDP since Canada needs more bright female MPs (a point few can deny but I was a bit insulted that he broke away from our conversation in mid-sentence).

After he finished with Beatrice, Layton turns to me and thanks us for our support. I began to say something in regard to the looming election when Jack, again while I’m in mid-sentence, suddenly lowers himself and shouts to a gentleman in a wheelchair rolling up toward where we were talking. “How are you, blah, blah, blah.” So at that point I gave up – again feeling a bit insulted since I feel, at my core, that a politician’s responsibilities is to listen to people – especially when they are campaigning. I moved on and made introductions with our NDP candidate (who would later make national headlines and destroy his reputation – but that’s another story) before going home.

I still voted NDP in the June 2004 election – but I would like to experience a more positive reception with Jack Layton sometime in the future.

Anyway, reading your post made me recall this story – I realize now that is rather long.

Brett, very interesting story. I got the same impression from Mr. Layton that he was in a hurry to leave, but he was a little more polite about it with me. He didn’t interrupt me in mid sentence, but he was definitely in a hurry to get away from me to eat his food