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Speaking Out Louder: Ideas That Work for Canadians
The only book written by Jack Layton (1950-2011) on his political life and vision, this is the former NDP leader's passionate call to action and will inspire all Canadians to embrace a better future.
On August 22, 2011, Jack Layton, Official Opposition Leader, died as he lived, with dignity, bestowing to his country a message of hope. Canada was in mourning and within hours of his death, tens of thousands of Canadians -- from NDP supporters to political opponents -- paid tribute to the man and his legacy through public vigils, memorials, and expressions of grief.
Originally published in 2006, Speaking Out Louder represents Layton's "blueprint for Canada" Highly acclaimed and powerfully written, this book captures Jack Layton's political vision and exemplifies the optimism that marked his life's work. In it he shares personal stories and fascinating, behind-the-scenes details of his career in national politics and talks about the big issues (poverty, AIDS and healthcare, childcare, housing, education) and the ideas that work for Canadians.
On August 22, 2011, Jack Layton, Official Opposition Leader, died as he lived, with dignity, bestowing to his country a message of hope. Canada was in mourning and within hours of his death, tens of thousands of Canadians -- from NDP supporters to political opponents -- paid tribute to the man and his legacy through public vigils, memorials, and expressions of grief.
Originally published in 2006, Speaking Out Louder represents Layton's "blueprint for Canada" Highly acclaimed and powerfully written, this book captures Jack Layton's political vision and exemplifies the optimism that marked his life's work. In it he shares personal stories and fascinating, behind-the-scenes details of his career in national politics and talks about the big issues (poverty, AIDS and healthcare, childcare, housing, education) and the ideas that work for Canadians.
- GenresPoliticsNonfictionCanada
448 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
14 people are currently reading
189 people want to read
About the author
Jack Layton
9 books9 followersCanadian leader of the New Democrats,the NDP, a social democratic party in Canada, born on July 18th of 1950. He was the author of two books including Speaking Out Louder: Ideas That Work for Canadians and Homelessness: The Making and Unmaking of a Crisis.Member of the Canadian Parliament for Toronto-Durham until his death. Graduating of McGill University in 1970 with Honours BA in political science.
He died on August 22 2011, 61 years old, after suffering from an undisclosed type of cancer.
After his death, his wife put out his letter that he wrote to all Canadians after his death, which inspired many to continue his legacy.
He died on August 22 2011, 61 years old, after suffering from an undisclosed type of cancer.
After his death, his wife put out his letter that he wrote to all Canadians after his death, which inspired many to continue his legacy.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 7, 2012
He was a man you wanted to be friends with. I think he had a good heart and was a diamond in the political rough.
January 18, 2018
Wow! What an incredible man! I'm grateful that Canada had such a caring, loving & motivated human fighting for Canadian values for so many decades. It's such a travesty that we were robbed of such an amazing leader. (FUCK CANCER)
I have no doubt in my mind that if he had been alive today, Jack would be our Prime Minister, instead of "pretty boi" Trudeau. The more I learn about the history of Canadian politics, the more frustration mounts at our horrifically flawed "First past the post" electoral system is & how toxic the pendulum swing of Conservative to Liberal governments, with honestly very little difference between the two. Shills for corporate interests.
The more I learn, the more a truly detest "Liberals" in Canadian politics, at least the Conservatives are true to their word, wheres historically "Liberal" governments have been nothing by snakes in the grass or wolves in sheeps clothing. Spewing whatever they think will get them power & immediately crumbing on their promises once power is achieved... See Paul Martin Liberals in the 90s/00s & current head "snake" Trudeau & his failed promise of electoral reform.
Political frustration aside, this book was a fantastic read! Jack's passionate character shines through, his written words bringing to live his wonderful ideas for a better Canada. I even lean towards labelling him as the Canadian Bernie Sanders, with how he inspired a generation of young people to care about their country & fight for a more sustainable future.
Miss you Jack, thanks for you relentless dedication to Canada & our people.
I have no doubt in my mind that if he had been alive today, Jack would be our Prime Minister, instead of "pretty boi" Trudeau. The more I learn about the history of Canadian politics, the more frustration mounts at our horrifically flawed "First past the post" electoral system is & how toxic the pendulum swing of Conservative to Liberal governments, with honestly very little difference between the two. Shills for corporate interests.
The more I learn, the more a truly detest "Liberals" in Canadian politics, at least the Conservatives are true to their word, wheres historically "Liberal" governments have been nothing by snakes in the grass or wolves in sheeps clothing. Spewing whatever they think will get them power & immediately crumbing on their promises once power is achieved... See Paul Martin Liberals in the 90s/00s & current head "snake" Trudeau & his failed promise of electoral reform.
Political frustration aside, this book was a fantastic read! Jack's passionate character shines through, his written words bringing to live his wonderful ideas for a better Canada. I even lean towards labelling him as the Canadian Bernie Sanders, with how he inspired a generation of young people to care about their country & fight for a more sustainable future.
Miss you Jack, thanks for you relentless dedication to Canada & our people.
February 1, 2019
A wonderful read that gives insight into the mind and passion of a rare political icon. Each example of accomplishment and endeavour is filled with pride, a sense of responsibility but most importantly, laced with humility. A smooth flowing book that does momentarily leave you wanting a touch more excitement. Overall a must read for anyone hoping to regain faith in our political process or to simply learn of methods we can use to impact meaningful change in our Communities and perhaps someday, our Country.
January 14, 2024
If you don't know much about politics, social issues or the functions of government in Canada, this is the perfect book for you. Jack Layton sums everything up perfectly in language that makes it easy for the average reader instead of sounding too academic, even though that's exactly what's he's writing about (and he was certainly entitled - he was a very well-educated man and professor, before becoming a long-time politician). This is a great book for students who may plan on taking any political science classes as well. In fact, I think it should be required reading for every student!
June 4, 2020
The issues Jack Layton speaks of are more relevant now than ever. He was a phenomenal leader who was inclusive in his policies. He is surely missed and there's so much wisdom from this book to be gained.
April 28, 2021
Jack was an ideas guy! He is so missed.
February 21, 2025
Great read, gives hope.
November 2, 2013
No matter your political stripe, there's no doubting Jack Layton was a man of passion.
Only months before his death, the longtime leader of the federal New Democrats led his party to official opposition, winning the largest number of seats in the party's history. His victory, dubbed the "orange crush," was the result of years of dedication and passion for community building.
Layton's "Speaking Out Louder" captures both the ideas and the spirit of the late leader who will undoubtedly have a place in NDP history.
In his book, Layton writes passionately about topics close to his heart, including public health care, environmental protection and democratic reform. As a reader, it was hard not to feed off his infectious passion for improving Canadian communities.
However, some of his best writing comes in his candid accounts as the NDP leader during the Liberal minority government in 2004 and 2005. He provides great insight on how the NDPs tried to support the Liberals during the throes of the sponsorship scandal, attempting to make some progress in the House of Commons during a difficult time.
Sure, Layton doesn't miss the opportunity for some political posturing in his book. He doesn't mince words when it comes to the Liberals and the Conservatives, essentially accusing them of holding up action at Parliament Hill.
At the same time, Layton writes out of a deep passion to help everyday people: the working class, the poor, the elderly, the children. And despite how you felt about his party politics, it's hard to deny his good heart.
If anything, "Speaking Out Leader" solidifies Layton's image as a passionate community leader.
Only months before his death, the longtime leader of the federal New Democrats led his party to official opposition, winning the largest number of seats in the party's history. His victory, dubbed the "orange crush," was the result of years of dedication and passion for community building.
Layton's "Speaking Out Louder" captures both the ideas and the spirit of the late leader who will undoubtedly have a place in NDP history.
In his book, Layton writes passionately about topics close to his heart, including public health care, environmental protection and democratic reform. As a reader, it was hard not to feed off his infectious passion for improving Canadian communities.
However, some of his best writing comes in his candid accounts as the NDP leader during the Liberal minority government in 2004 and 2005. He provides great insight on how the NDPs tried to support the Liberals during the throes of the sponsorship scandal, attempting to make some progress in the House of Commons during a difficult time.
Sure, Layton doesn't miss the opportunity for some political posturing in his book. He doesn't mince words when it comes to the Liberals and the Conservatives, essentially accusing them of holding up action at Parliament Hill.
At the same time, Layton writes out of a deep passion to help everyday people: the working class, the poor, the elderly, the children. And despite how you felt about his party politics, it's hard to deny his good heart.
If anything, "Speaking Out Leader" solidifies Layton's image as a passionate community leader.
January 6, 2016
I think this book was meant for fellow New Democrats and more progressive Liberals. The book offered a lot of ideas and tries to show that the NDP is not a third-party, but a viable option for voters. More importantly, it lets the reader know how New Democrats approached the problems that face all Canadians in the House and on the campaign trail.
It was an optomisitic book that paints a picture of what Canadian politics could be like. However, I do think Mr. Layton was off-message when discussing his interactions with Mr. Martin as prime minister, and Mr. Harper as opposition leader and prime miniser. Mr. Layton's accounts are little too one-sided, and he sometimes made the same mistake that he claimed Mr. Martin and Mr. Harper made - that is, he claimed to speek for all Canadians in a country where one party rarely wins a majority of votes.
It's worth a read no matter what side of the politcal spectrum you're on.
It was an optomisitic book that paints a picture of what Canadian politics could be like. However, I do think Mr. Layton was off-message when discussing his interactions with Mr. Martin as prime minister, and Mr. Harper as opposition leader and prime miniser. Mr. Layton's accounts are little too one-sided, and he sometimes made the same mistake that he claimed Mr. Martin and Mr. Harper made - that is, he claimed to speek for all Canadians in a country where one party rarely wins a majority of votes.
It's worth a read no matter what side of the politcal spectrum you're on.
December 10, 2014
Sorry Jack, I really wanted to be able to say that I enjoyed this book, but it expired after I'd had it for two weeks and I had only made it to chapter seven. There are some heart-warming stories in it about how things can be done in a more human- and earth-friendly way which raises it from the one star I'd normally give to a book I couldn't finish, but overall this read like an extended advertisement for the NDP and all the name-dropping was extremely tedious. This is the first book I've ever read by a politician and I suspect it will be my last.
January 25, 2012
Loved this book, even though for a good part of it, it was like reading policy. But the energy and the vision - and such a welcome read after reading Harperland (only because the topic was Harper - the writing was excellent).
Jack should have had the opportunity to be our Prime Minister and made us shine!
Jack should have had the opportunity to be our Prime Minister and made us shine!
January 22, 2012
I loved this book. It gave me hope that there is a better way for Canada, and made we want to believe in the political system again. It also make me deeply sad that Jack won't be around to help. Everyone in Canada should read this book.
January 1, 2013
Great book real eye opener for those of you that think the government is on your side, I'd recommend anyone reading this book :)
Want to read
April 6, 2012Given to me by Sammy for Easter
May 11, 2012
The blueprint our country should be following.
October 5, 2012
Jack was leading us to a better way for all. Found this book very inspiring.
March 2, 2016
Goodreads needs a "didn't finish" option. I liked Jack Layton and all but this book is just a lot of can-do election promises. Ain't nobody got time for that.
Read
January 15, 2015Great eye-opening book.
February 20, 2011
Interesting review of the history and issues, but got a bit tedious after awhile.
March 3, 2015
Lots of fresh ideas, even though how they would get elected is on the low side.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews