Family, friends, dignitaries and the public begin paying respects to NDP Leader
The casket containing the body of Jack Layton lies in state in the foyer of the House of Commons in Ottawa on Wednesday. Quiet descended on the crowd as Layton’s casket arrived. Draped with a Canadian flag, the casket was carried into the centre block of Parliament by six RCMP officers in ceremonial red serge. Layton’s widow, NDP member Olivia Chow, walked alone behind the casket. She was followed by Layton’s two children Michael and Sarah, and his granddaughter Beatrice. After the coffin was placed on a raised platform, dignitaries entered the room to pay their respects. Among them were former Governor General Michaëlle Jean, Laureen Harper, former NDP leader Ed Broadbent and interim leader Nycole Turmel. Fifty-four NDP MPs are also expected to pay their respects to their deceased leader as he lays in state in Parliament. On Friday, Layton will be moved to Toronto City Hall, where he will remain until his state funeral at Roy Thompson Hall the following day.