Editing Jack Layton (section)

==Leader of the NDP==
Layton was elected leader of the NDP at the [[2003 New Democratic Party leadership election|party's leadership convention]] in Toronto, on January 25, 2003. Layton won on the first ballot with 53.5% of the vote, defeating [[Bill Blaikie]], [[Lorne Nystrom]], [[Joe Comartin]] and [[Pierre Ducasse (politician)|Pierre Ducasse]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Haight |first1=Lana |title=Layton surprises locals: Supporters 'blown away' by win over Blaikie, Nystrom |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/348746214 |access-date=June 14, 2024 |work=[[Star-Phoenix]] |date=January 27, 2003 |page=A1 |id={{ProQuest|348746214}} }}</ref> His campaign was focused on the need to reinvigorate the party, and was prominently endorsed by former NDP leader [[Ed Broadbent]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Broadbent backs Toronto city councillor as NDP chief |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-colonist/149341804/ |access-date=June 14, 2024 |work=[[Times Colonist]] |agency=[[The Canadian Press]] |date=November 28, 2002 |page=A7 |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref>

Layton did not seek election to the House of Commons by running in a by-election, as is the tradition among new party leaders without a seat. Instead, he waited until the 2004 federal election to contest the riding of Toronto—Danforth against Liberal Dennis Mills. With no seat in the House of Commons, he appointed the runner-up, longtime Winnipeg-area MP Bill Blaikie, as parliamentary leader.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Paraskevas |first1=Joe |title=NDP leader goes after Grits on Day One |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/348849838 |access-date=June 14, 2024 |work=[[Sudbury Star]] |date=January 28, 2003 |page=A8 |id={{ProQuest|348849838}} }}</ref> Although he had no parliamentary seat, Layton was noted for drawing considerable attention from the Canadian mass media.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Goar |first1=Carol |author1-link=Carol Goar |title=He makes it look too effortless |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/438655307 |access-date=October 11, 2024 |work=[[Toronto Star]] |date=November 5, 2003 |page=A26|id={{ProQuest|438655307}} }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Curry |first1=Bill |title=NDP's Layton accused of hogging the microphones |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/national-post/156910718/ |access-date=October 11, 2024 |work=[[National Post]] |date=February 25, 2003 |page=11}}</ref> Much of his rhetoric involved attacking the policies of then Canadian [[Prime Minister of Canada|Prime Minister]] Paul Martin as conservative, and arguing the ideology of the Liberal Party of Canada had shifted in a more right wing direction. Another focus of Layton's leadership was to focus the party's efforts on Quebec, one of the party's weaker provinces.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Chung |first1=Andrew |title=Quebec a difficult hill for NDP to climb |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/438593990 |access-date=October 11, 2024 |work=[[Toronto Star]] |date=April 26, 2003 |page=E02|id={{ProQuest|438593990}} }}</ref> One of his opponents in the leadership race, [[Pierre Ducasse (politician)|Pierre Ducasse]], was the first [[French Canadian|Québécois]] to run for leader of the NDP. After the race, Layton appointed Ducasse as his Quebec lieutenant and party spokesperson.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Curry |first1=Bill |title=NDP counting on Ducasse: Popular Quebecer To Run In Manicouagan |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-gazette/156910834/ |access-date=October 11, 2024 |work=[[The Gazette (Montreal)|The Gazette]] |agency=[[Canwest]] |date=January 5, 2004 |page=8}}</ref>

The result of Layton's efforts was a strong increase in the party's support. By the end of 2003, the party was polling higher than both the [[Canadian Alliance]] or the Progressive Conservatives<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lunman |first1=Kim |title=NDP inching past conservatives, poll indicates |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/ndp-inching-past-conservatives-poll-indicates/article20453213/ |access-date=October 11, 2024 |work=[[The Globe and Mail]] |date=December 5, 2003}}</ref> and it was even suggested that the next election could see the NDP in place as [[Official Opposition (Canada)|Official Opposition]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Canton |first1=Maria |title=NDP official opposition possible, predicts prof |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/calgary-herald/156910985/ |access-date=October 11, 2024 |work=[[Calgary Herald]] |date=November 16, 2003 |page=8}}</ref>

===2004 election===
{{see also|Homelessness in Canada}}
During the [[2004 Canadian federal election]], controversy erupted over Layton's accusation that Liberal Prime Minister Paul Martin was responsible for the deaths of homeless people because he failed to provide funding for affordable housing.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Aubry |first1=Jack |title=Layton's line starts a storm |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-colonist/156911079/ |access-date=October 11, 2024 |work=[[Times Colonist]] |date=May 28, 2004 |page=4}}</ref> While rates of homelessness and homeless deaths increased during the eleven years of Liberal government, the link to Martin's decisions was indirect as affordable housing is a mainly provincial jurisdiction.<ref>Murphy, Barbara. ''On the street: how we created the homeless.'' Winnipeg: J. Gordon Shillingford, c2000.</ref> Layton's charge was defended by some, including the ''[[Ottawa Citizen]]'',<ref>{{cite news |last1=Coyne |first1=Andrew |title=Layton's charge is out of order |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/330330016 |access-date=October 11, 2024 |work=[[National Post]] |date=May 29, 2004 |page=A22|id={{ProQuest|330330016}} }}</ref> but most attacked it as inaccurate and [[negative campaigning]]. Moreover, the controversy consumed the campaign, overshadowing policy announcements over the next week.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Curry |first1=Bill |title=Layton drops from radar during Week 2 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-phoenix/156911289/ |access-date=October 11, 2024 |work=[[The StarPhoenix]] |agency=[[Canwest]] |date=June 5, 2004 |page=A13}}</ref>

Further controversy followed as Layton suggested the removal of the ''[[Clarity Act]]'', considered by some to be vital to keeping Quebec in Canada and by others as undemocratic, and promised to recognize any declaration of independence by Quebec after a referendum.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Chase |first1=Steven |title=Layton would axe Clarity Act |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/layton-would-axe-clarity-act/article999528/ |access-date=October 11, 2024 |work=[[The Globe and Mail]] |date=May 29, 2004}}</ref> This position was not part of the NDP's official party policy, leading some high-profile party members, such as NDP [[House Leader]] Bill Blaikie and former NDP leader [[Alexa McDonough]], to publicly indicate that they did not share Layton's views. His position on the ''Clarity Act'' was reversed in the 2006 election to one of support.<ref>{{cite news |title=Layton reverses course on Clarity Act |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-times-transcript/156911825/ |access-date=October 11, 2024 |work=[[Times & Transcript]] |agency=[[The Canadian Press]] |date=December 8, 2005 |page=5}}</ref>

Layton also continued his effort to improve his party's standing in Quebec. The NDP ran French-language ads in the province and Layton, who spoke colloquial [[Quebec French|Québécois French]], appeared in them.{{citation needed|date=October 2024}} As early as his leadership campaign,<ref>{{cite news |title=Layton would push for proportional representation |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/356308406 |access-date=October 15, 2024 |work=[[The Record (Sherbrooke)|The Record]] |date=January 6, 2003 |page=2|id={{ProQuest|356308406}} }}</ref> Layton advocated for [[electoral reform]],<ref>{{cite news |title=Layton renews call for electoral reform |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/layton-renews-call-for-electoral-reform-1.466253 |access-date=October 15, 2024 |work=[[CBC News]] |date=June 29, 2004}}</ref> calling for a referendum to replace the [[First-past-the-post voting|first-past-the-post]] system with [[proportional representation]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Champion-Smith |first1=Bruce |title=Making it count; The June 28 vote has amplified calls for reforming Canada's electoral system Some say proportional representation's the answer |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/438727580 |access-date=October 15, 2024 |work=[[Toronto Star]] |date=July 10, 2004 |page=H01|id={{ProQuest|438727580}} }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Opponents of first-past-the-post system growing in numbers |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/358500073 |access-date=October 15, 2024 |work=[[Kamloops Daily News]] |agency=[[The Canadian Press]] |date=June 30, 2004 |page=C9| id={{ProQuest|358500073}} }}</ref> He threatened to use the NDP's clout in the event of a minority government. However, it was dismissed out of hand by the Liberal and [[Bloc Québécois]] leaders, as they tend to be favoured by the first-past-the-post system, normally being allocated a greater proportion of seats than the proportion of votes cast for them. Historically, the NDP's popular vote does not translate into a proportional number of seats because of scattered support. This was most opposed by the Bloc Québécois, who usually had the lowest popular vote but nonetheless won many seats because their support was concentrated in Quebec. Despite these problems, Layton led the NDP to a 15% popular vote, its highest in 16 years. However, it only won 19 seats in the House of Commons, two less than the 21 won under Alexa McDonough in 1997, and far short of the 40 that Layton predicted on the eve of the election. However, some potential NDP voters may have voted Liberal to prevent a possible Conservative win. Olivia Chow and several other prominent Toronto NDP candidates lost tight races and Layton won his own seat against incumbent Liberal Dennis Mills by a much narrower margin than early polls indicated.{{citation needed|date=August 2011}}

===Liberal minority government===
[[File:Layton1.JPG|right|thumb|Layton speaks at an NDP rally in Courtenay, British Columbia, in 2006]]
With the ruling Liberal Party being reduced to a minority government, revelations of the [[sponsorship scandal]] damaging its popularity to the point where both the Conservative Party and the Bloc Québécois were pressing their advantage for a [[snap election]], the prime minister approached the NDP for its support. Layton demanded the cancellation of proposed [[corporate tax]] cuts and called for an increase in social spending. The ensuing compromise in the NDP's favour was protested by the other opposition parties who used it as a pretext to force a [[Motion of no confidence|non-confidence vote]]. On May 19, two such votes were defeated and Layton's amendments went on to be passed on its final reading vote on June 23. As a result of this political coup and his apparent civil behaviour in a spitefully raucous parliament, many political analysts noted that Layton gained increased credibility as an effective leader of an important party, becoming the major second choice leader in many political polls – for example, polling second in Quebec after [[Gilles Duceppe]], despite the low polls for his party as a whole in the province.{{citation needed|date=August 2011}}

In mid-November 2005, when Liberal support dropped after the [[Gomery Commission]] delivered its first report, Layton offered the prime minister several conditions in return for the NDP's continued support, most notably on the issue of [[privatization]] of [[health care in Canada]], where Layton wanted strict provisions for controlling public spending on private health care delivery, saying that without "significant action" on the issue, "Mr. Martin can't count on our support." Martin for his part offered no comment on a meeting held to discuss the issue, only saying that it was a "good meeting", while Layton publicly expressed his disappointment at the outcome.<ref>{{cite news |title=PM in denial over privatization of health care: Layton |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/pm-in-denial-over-privatization-of-health-care-layton-1.549664 |access-date=October 11, 2024 |work=[[CBC News]] |date=October 25, 2005}}</ref> Layton announced he would introduce a motion requesting a February election. However, the Martin government refused to allow the election date to be decided by the opposition. A motion of non-confidence followed, moved by Stephen Harper and seconded by Layton, triggering the 2006 federal election. Layton was working with the Liberal government, but determined he would have a better chance of electoral success by voting against the government and having an election.{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}

====Coalition attempt with the Bloc Québécois and the Conservatives====
On March 26, 2011, in response to Harper's allegations that a coalition is not a legitimate or principled way to form government, Duceppe stated that Harper had once tried to form a [[coalition government]] with the Bloc Québécois and NDP.<ref>{{cite news|last=Payton|first=Laura|title=Harper wanted 2004 coalition: Duceppe|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/harper-wanted-2004-coalition-duceppe-1.1118390|access-date=March 26, 2011|newspaper=[[CBC News]]|date=March 26, 2011}}</ref> In 2004 Stephen Harper privately met with [[Bloc Québécois]] leader [[Gilles Duceppe]] and Layton in a Montreal hotel. The meeting that took place between the three party leaders happened two months before the federal election.<ref name=gazetteCoalition/> On September 9, 2004, the three signed a letter addressed to then-[[Governor General of Canada|Governor General]] [[Adrienne Clarkson]], stating,
{{Blockquote|We respectfully point out that the opposition parties, who together constitute a majority in the House, have been in close consultation. We believe that, should a request for dissolution arise, this should give you cause, as constitutional practice has determined, to consult the opposition leaders and consider all of your options before exercising your constitutional authority.<ref name=gazetteCoalition>{{cite news|title=Harper, Layton, Duceppe sought 'co-opposition' in 2004 letter to GG |url=http://www.canada.com/news/Harper+Layton+Duceppe+sought+opposition+2004+letter/4511865/story.html#ixzz1Htw6yDVP |newspaper=[[The Gazette (Montreal)|Montreal Gazette]] |date=March 27, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110401200203/http://www.canada.com/news/Harper%2BLayton%2BDuceppe%2Bsought%2Bopposition%2B2004%2Bletter/4511865/story.html |archive-date=April 1, 2011 }}</ref>}}

On the same day the letter was written, the three party leaders held a joint press conference at which they expressed their intent to co-operate on changing parliamentary rules, and to request that the governor general consult with them before deciding to call an election.<ref name=Harpercoalition>{{cite news|last=Chung|first=Andrew|title=Bloc leader accuses Harper of lying about coalition|url=https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/bloc-leader-accuses-harper-of-lying-about-coalition/article_cb3fc9b6-a13a-5add-a731-784edca4d4ad.html|access-date=March 27, 2011|newspaper=[[Toronto Star]]|date=March 26, 2011}}</ref> At the news conference, Harper said "It is the Parliament that's supposed to run the country, not just the largest party and the single leader of that party. That's a criticism I've had and that we've had and that most Canadians have had for a long, long time now so this is an opportunity to start to change that." However, at the time, Harper and the two other opposition leaders denied trying to form a [[coalition government]].<ref name=gazetteCoalition/> Harper said, "This is not a coalition, but this is a co-operative effort."<ref name=Harpercoalition/>

One month later, on October 4, [[Mike Duffy]], now a Conservative senator (appointed by Harper), said "It is possible that you could change prime minister without having an election", and that some Conservatives wanted Harper as prime minister. The next day Layton walked out on talks with Harper and Duceppe, accusing them of trying to replace [[Paul Martin]] with Harper as prime minister. Both Bloc and Conservative officials denied Layton's accusations.<ref name=gazetteCoalition/>

===2006 campaign===
[[File:Jacklaytonoutside.jpg|right|thumb|In a [[media scrum]] during the 2006 winter election campaign]]
With a vote scheduled for [[2006 Canadian federal election|January 23, 2006]], many New Democrats expected Layton to deliver substantially more seats than he did in 2004. They hoped the NDP would hold the balance of power in a new minority Parliament, so that they could carry additional leverage in negotiating with the governing party.{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}} Mike Klander, the executive vice-president of the federal Liberals' Ontario wing, resigned after making posts on his blog comparing Chow to a [[Chow Chow]] dog and calling Layton an "[[asshole]]".<ref>{{cite news |title=Liberal exec quits over his blog remarks about NDPers |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/liberal-exec-quits-over-his-blog-remarks-about-ndpers-1.545740 |access-date=October 11, 2024 |work=[[CBC News]] |date=December 26, 2005}}</ref>

Through the course of the campaign, Layton attempted to cast himself as the sole remaining champion of [[universal health care]]. Some opinion polls showed that Canadians found Layton the most appealing and charismatic of the leaders. Layton repeatedly insisted that "Canadians have a third choice", and urged Liberals to "lend us your vote". Some commentators and pundits mocked Layton for over-using these catchphrases instead of explaining the NDP platform.{{Citation needed|date=August 2011}}

The NDP strategy had changed in that they were focusing their attacks on the Liberals rather than in 2004, where they criticized both the Liberals and Conservatives in equal measure, prompting some criticism from Paul Martin.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20061014201106/http://www.cbc.ca/news/story/2006/01/17/martin-layton.html Martin attacks Layton for not attacking Harper] January 17, 2006.</ref> [[Andrew Coyne]] suggested that the NDP not only wanted to disassociate themselves from the scandal-ridden Liberals, but also because the Liberals were likely to receive credit for legislation achieved under the Liberal-NDP partnership. The NDP had also lost close races in the 2004 election due to the Liberals' strategic voting. Early in the campaign, NDP MP [[Judy Wasylycia-Leis]] had asked the [[Royal Canadian Mounted Police]] (RCMP) to launch a criminal investigation into the leaking of the income trust announcement.<ref>[https://archive.today/20060302162201/http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20060121/election_turningpoints_060121?s_name=election2006&no_ads= Income trust a major campaign turning point] CTV News. January 22, 2006. {{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> The criminal probe seriously damaged the Liberal campaign and preventing them from making their key policy announcements, as well as bringing alleged Liberal corruption back into the spotlight.

Layton's campaign direction also caused a break between him and [[Canadian Auto Workers]] union head [[Buzz Hargrove]] over the issue of [[Tactical voting|strategic voting]]. Hargrove preferred a Liberal minority government supported by the NDP and he had earlier criticized Layton for participating in the motion of non-confidence that brought down the Liberal government. Hargrove allied with the Liberals and publicly stated that he "did not like the campaign that Jack Layton was running", criticizing Layton for "spending too much time attacking the Liberals". During the final week of the campaign, knowing that last-minute strategic voting had cost the NDP seats in several close ridings during the 2004 election,<ref name="StrategicVote 2004">{{cite news|last=Brennan|first=Richard|title=Liberals stem Conservative tide|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/thestar/access/974828621.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Jan+24%2C+2006&author=Richard+Brennan&pub=Toronto+Star&edition=&startpage=A.04&desc=Liberals+stem+Conservative+tide|access-date=August 26, 2011|newspaper=The Toronto Star|date=January 24, 2006|location=Toronto|page=A4|archive-date=November 5, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105043113/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/thestar/access/974828621.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Jan+24%2C+2006&author=Richard+Brennan&pub=Toronto+Star&edition=&startpage=A.04&desc=Liberals+stem+Conservative+tide|url-status=dead}}</ref> Hargrove and Martin urged all progressive voters to unite behind the Liberal banner to stop a Conservative government.<ref name=Martinpleads4vote>{{cite news|last=Whittington|first=Wes|title=Don't let Tories tear Canada apart Martin; PM in last-ditch plea to voters Says final outcome will hinge on B.C.|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/thestar/access/974196541.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Jan+23%2C+2006&author=Les+Whittington&pub=Toronto+Star&edition=&startpage=A.06&desc=Don%27t+let+Tories+tear+Canada+apart+Martin%3B+PM+in+last-ditch+plea+to+voters+Says+final+outcome+will+hinge+on+B.C|access-date=August 26, 2006|newspaper=The Toronto Star|date=January 23, 2006|location=Toronto|page=A6|archive-date=November 5, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105043121/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/thestar/access/974196541.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Jan+23%2C+2006&author=Les+Whittington&pub=Toronto+Star&edition=&startpage=A.06&desc=Don%27t+let+Tories+tear+Canada+apart+Martin%3B+PM+in+last-ditch+plea+to+voters+Says+final+outcome+will+hinge+on+B.C.|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Layton intensified his attacks on the Liberal scandals, pledging to use his minority clout to keep the Conservatives in check. Shortly after the election, the Ontario provincial branch of the NDP revoked Hargrove's party membership because he had violated the party's constitution by campaigning for other parties during an election campaign, though Layton disagreed with this. Hargrove retaliated by severing ties with the NDP at the annual CAW convention. The election increased the NDP's total seats to 29 seats, up from 18 before dissolution.<ref name=2006results/> Among the new NDP candidates elected was Olivia Chow, making the two only the second husband-and-wife team in Canadian Parliament history ([[Gurmant Grewal]] and [[Nina Grewal]] were the first husband-and-wife team in Canadian Parliament after the 2004 federal election). In the end, the NDP succeeded in increasing their parliamentary representation to 29 MPs, though they had significantly fewer seats than the Bloc Québécois (51) or the Opposition Liberals (103).<ref name=2006results>{{cite news|last=Delecourt|first=Susan|title=CON124 36.5% POP VOTE LIB 103 30.1% POP VOTE BLOC 51 10.5% POP VOTE NDP 29 17.4% POP VOTE Independent 1|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/thestar/access/974828531.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Jan+24%2C+2006&author=Susan+Delacourt&pub=Toronto+Star&edition=&startpage=A.01&desc=CON124+36.5%25+POP+VOTE+LIB+103+30.1%25+POP+VOTE+BLOC+51+10.5%25+POP+VOTE+NDP+29+17.4%25+POP+VOTE+Independent+1|access-date=August 26, 2011|newspaper=The Toronto Star|date=January 24, 2006|location=Toronto|page=A1|archive-date=November 5, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105043051/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/thestar/access/974828531.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Jan+24%2C+2006&author=Susan+Delacourt&pub=Toronto+Star&edition=&startpage=A.01&desc=CON124+36.5%25+POP+VOTE+LIB+103+30.1%25+POP+VOTE+BLOC+51+10.5%25+POP+VOTE+NDP+29+17.4%25+POP+VOTE+Independent+1|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Conservative minority government===
[[File:Jack5th.jpg|left|thumb|Layton giving a speech on the fifth anniversary of his leadership of the NDP]]

At the NDP's 22nd Convention, held on September 10, 2006, in [[Quebec City]], Layton received a 92% approval rating in a leadership vote, tying former [[Reform Party of Canada|Reform Party]] leader [[Preston Manning]]'s record for this kind of voting.<ref>Panetta, Alexander. "Layton gets strong backing". London Free Press. September 11, 2006.</ref> This record was later broken in 2016 by Elizabeth May of the Green Party of Canada.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.greenparty.ca/en/media-release/2016-04-25/elizabeth-may-receives-936-support-members-leadership-review|title=Elizabeth May receives 93.6% support from members in leadership review|publisher=Green Party of Canada |location=Canada |date=April 25, 2016}}</ref> At the same convention, the NDP passed a motion calling for the return of [[Canadian Forces]] from [[Afghanistan]]. On September 24, 2006, he met with [[President of Afghanistan|Afghan President]] [[Hamid Karzai]] to discuss the NDP position. After the meeting Layton stated that Canada's role should be focused on traditional [[peacekeeping]] and reconstruction rather than in a front line combat role currently taking place.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/karzai-layton-find-common-ground-1.619032|title=Karzai, Layton find common ground|publisher=CBC |location=Canada |date=September 24, 2006|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070212182847/http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2006/09/23/karzai.html|archive-date=February 12, 2007}}</ref>

Layton and his caucus voted to support the [[Income trust#The Conservatives propose new rules for income trusts|new proposed rules for income trusts]] introduced by the [[Conservative Party of Canada|Conservatives]] October 31, 2006.<ref>[http://canadianenergytrusts.ca/bg-waysandmeans.html#vote Coalition of Canadian Energy Trusts. Vote Breakdown] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070517215249/http://www.canadianenergytrusts.ca/bg-waysandmeans.html#vote |date=May 17, 2007 }} November 7, 2006.</ref> The short-term result of the tax policy announcement was a loss to Canadian investors of $20&nbsp;billion, the largest ever loss attributed to a change in government policy.<ref>"Flaherty received death threats". Global National TV. February 1, 2007.</ref>

Layton threatened to move a motion of non-confidence against the government over the "[[air quality law|Clean Air Act]]" unless action was taken to improve the bill and its approach to environmental policy.<ref>[http://www.canada.com/topics/news/national/story.html?id=9446705b-2722-494f-ae8b-05668c3955d7&k=90964 NDP threaten confidence vote over environmental measures] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160104200921/http://www.canada.com/topics/news/national/story.html?id=9446705b-2722-494f-ae8b-05668c3955d7&k=90964 |date=January 4, 2016 }} De Souza, Mike. CanWest News Service. October 31, 2006.</ref> Prime Minister Harper agreed to put an end to the Parliamentary logjam by sending the bill to a special legislative committee before second reading. He released his proposed changes to the "Clean Air Act" on November 19, 2006.<ref>[https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/canada-formally-abandons-kyoto-protocol-on-climate-change/article4180809/ Canada formally abandons Kyoto Protocol on climate change] CTV News. November 19, 2006. {{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

On June 3, 2008, Layton voted to implement a program which would "allow [[conscientious objector]]s ... to a war not sanctioned by the United Nations ... to ... remain in Canada ..."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thestar.com/News/Canada/article/436575|title=MPs vote to give asylum to U.S. military deserters|first=Joanna|last=Smith|work=The Toronto Star|date=June 3, 2008|access-date=July 19, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://cmte.parl.gc.ca/cmte/CommitteePublication.aspx?SourceId=222011 |title=Report: Iraq War Resisters/Rapport–Opposants à la guerre en Irak |publisher=House of Commons/Chambre des Communes, Ottawa, Canada |access-date=June 9, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090213025638/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?DocId=3204056&Language=E&Mode=1&Parl=39&Ses=2 |archive-date=February 13, 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www2.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?Language=E&Mode=1&Parl=39&Ses=2&DocId=3543213#Int-2506938 |title=Official Report * Table of Contents * Number 104 (Official Version) |publisher=House of Commons/Chambre des Communes, Ottawa, Canada |access-date=June 9, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080926040349/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?Language=E&Mode=1&Parl=39&Ses=2&DocId=3543213 |archive-date=September 26, 2008 }}</ref> Layton led the [[New Democratic Party (Canada)|NDP]] to be instrumental in taking action on the peace issue of [[Canada and Iraq War resisters]].

On June 11, 2008, Prime Minister Stephen Harper made it known that he had received private counsel from Layton on the matter of [[Canadian Indian residential school system|Indian residential schools]] and the apology to former students of the schools. Before delivering the apology, Harper thanked Layton.<ref>[http://www2.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?Language=E&Mode=1&Parl=39&Ses=2&DocId=3568890 Apology to Former Students of Indian Residential Schools] Harper, Stephen J., House of Commons Debates, Official Reports (Hansard) 39th Parl., 2nd Sess. (June 11, 2008) (online). {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160106205055/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?Language=E&Mode=1&Parl=39&Ses=2&DocId=3568890 |date=January 6, 2016 }}</ref>

===2008 campaign===
[[File:Ed Broadbent and Jack Layton at Toronto Rally.jpg|thumb|right|[[Ed Broadbent]] and Layton at a 2008 election rally in Toronto]]
[[File:Toronto Pride - 2008 - IMG 3473 (cropped).jpg|thumb|right|Layton with [[Olivia Chow]] at the [[Pride Toronto|2008 Toronto Pride parade]]]]

Layton started off the [[2008 Canadian federal election|2008 federal election campaign]] with a speech similar to that of US presidential nominee [[Barack Obama]]. Layton denied he was trying to draw comparisons with Obama, saying "I mean, I am a lot shorter than he is. He is a brilliant orator. I'm never going to claim to be that. But what I have noticed is that the key issues faced by the [[American middle class]], the [[Working class|working people]] of the U.S. and their concerns about their families' futures, are awfully similar to the issues that I hear in Canada." Layton said that he has also written to Obama and [[Hillary Clinton]] saying that the [[North American Free Trade Agreement]] had hurt working people in both countries "and those stories have to be told."

Layton, along with Prime Minister Harper and Bloc Québécois leader Gilles Duceppe, initially opposed the inclusion of [[Green Party of Canada|Green Party]] leader [[Elizabeth May]] in the leaders' televised debates.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/greens-can-t-participate-in-leaders-debates-networks-rule-1.757797 |title=Greens can't participate in leaders debates, networks rule|publisher=CBC |location=Canada |date=September 8, 2008|access-date=March 12, 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/grenier-may-green-party-1.3716899|title=Elizabeth May torpedoes the Green Party... again |work=National Post|access-date=June 5, 2010}}</ref> Layton initially said that he was following the rules of the broadcast consortium, while NDP spokesman [[Brad Lavigne]] confirmed that Layton had refused to attend if May was present, noting that May had endorsed Liberal leader [[Stéphane Dion]] for prime minister, and arguing that her inclusion would in effect give the Liberals two representatives at the debate. Rod Love, former chief of staff to [[Ralph Klein]], suggested that the Greens could potentially cut into the NDP's support.<ref>{{cite news|author=Canada |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080908.welxnpanelmay0908/BNStory/Front |title=A debate without the Greens |work=[[The Globe and Mail]] |date=September 8, 2008 |access-date=June 5, 2010 |location=Toronto|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090116030518/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080908.welxnpanelmay0908/BNStory/Front |archive-date=January 16, 2009 }}</ref> Layton's stance drew criticism from the [[World YWCA|YWCA]],<ref>"[https://thetyee.ca/Opinion/2015/04/04/Who-Is-Afraid-Of-Elizabeth-May/ "Who's Afraid of Elizabeth May?" YWCA Canada calls for a woman's voice in election debate]", YWCA press release, September 9, 2008. {{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> [[Judy Rebick]], and members of his own party.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://v1.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080910.welxndebate11/front/Front/Front/ |title=May gets green light with a push from the people|work=[[The Globe and Mail]] |access-date=March 12, 2014 |location=Toronto}}</ref> Layton dropped his opposition to May's inclusion on September 10, 2008. "This whole issue of debating about the debate has become a distraction to the real debate that needs to happen", Layton said. "I have only one condition for this debate and that is that the prime minister is there."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.canada.com/topics/news/features/decisioncanada/story.html?id=ebe130c8-751e-478c-a911-4f8c537f12f1|title=May says democracy wins as Green leader lands debate slot|publisher=Canada.com|date=September 10, 2008|access-date=June 5, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081208075920/http://www.canada.com/topics/news/features/decisioncanada/story.html?id=ebe130c8-751e-478c-a911-4f8c537f12f1|archive-date=December 8, 2008}}</ref>

In October 2008, Layton posted an online video message speaking out in favour of [[net neutrality]], [[peer-to-peer|torrent]] sites, [[Video hosting service|video-sharing]] sites, and [[Social networking service|social-networking]] sites.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgJuzfoNAkg| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100505081831/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgJuzfoNAkg| archive-date=May 5, 2010 | url-status=dead|title=Message to P2PNET readers|work=YouTube|date=April 12, 2009|access-date=June 5, 2010}}</ref> In a separate interview he said that increasing corporate control "is very, very dangerous and we have put the whole issue of net neutrality right into the heart of our campaign platform", and that the Internet is "a public tool for exchanging ideas and I particularly want to say that if we don't fight to preserve it, we could lose it." In the end, the NDP gained 8 new seats, taking its tally to 37. This result still left the NDP as Canada's fourth party, behind the Bloc Québécois with 50. The NDP managed to retain [[Outremont (electoral district)|Outremont]], held by [[Tom Mulcair]], its only seat in the province.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/harper-bets-the-house-wins-another-minority/article1063836/ |title=Harper bets the House, wins another minority|work=[[The Globe and Mail]]|location=Toronto|date=October 15, 2008|access-date=March 12, 2014 |first=Campbell |last=Clark }}</ref>

===Continued Conservative minority government===
{{main|2008–2009 Canadian parliamentary dispute}}
[[File:Jack Layton 2.jpg|thumb|upright=0.5|left|Layton during the 2008 election campaign]]
The [[40th Canadian Parliament|40th session of Parliament]] began on November 27, 2008, with a fiscal update by the Conservatives that outlined their agenda for the upcoming term. This included a temporary suspension of federal employees' right to strike and a removal of monetary subsidies for political parties.<ref>[https://www.thestar.com/article/544582 Opposition threatens to topple Tories over update] Richard Brennan. ''Toronto Star''. November 27, 2008.</ref> All three opposition parties including the NDP stated that they could not support this position. Layton along with Liberal leader Stéphane Dion and Bloc Québécois leader Gilles Duceppe began negotiations to form a coalition that would replace the Conservatives as the government. The three opposition parties planned to table a motion of non-confidence in the House of Commons, and counted on the likelihood that the Governor General [[Michaëlle Jean]], would invite the coalition to govern instead of dissolving parliament and calling an election so soon after the last election.{{citation needed|date=August 2011}}

On December 1, 2008, the three opposition leaders signed an accord that laid down the basis for an agreement on a coalition government. The proposed structure would be a coalition between the Liberals and the NDP, with the New Democrats getting six Cabinet positions. Both parties agreed to continue the coalition until June 30, 2011. The Bloc Québécois would not be formally part of the government but would provide support on confidence motions for 18 months.<ref>[http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/liberals-ndp-bloc-sign-deal-on-proposed-coalition-1.700119 Liberals, NDP, Bloc sign deal on proposed coalition] CBC News. December 1, 2008.</ref>

Opposition to the proposed coalition developed in all provinces except Quebec.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://ctv2.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081212.wcogagnon15/business/Business/Business/&id=RTGAM_20081212_wcogagnon15|title=Buying time and saving the Liberals|work=[[The Globe and Mail]]|date=December 15, 2008|author=Gagnon, Lysiane|access-date=March 12, 2014|location=Toronto|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140313114820/http://ctv2.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081212.wcogagnon15/business/Business/Business/%26id%3DRTGAM_20081212_wcogagnon15|archive-date=March 13, 2014}}</ref> On December 4, 2008, the governor general granted Prime Minister Harper's request to [[Prorogation in Canada|prorogue]] Parliament until January 26, 2009, at which time Harper had planned to introduce the budget. Dion had since been ousted from the leadership of the Liberals and his successor, [[Michael Ignatieff]], had distanced himself from the coalition.

Layton remained committed to ousting the Harper government,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://ctv2.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090114.wxopposition14/business/Business/Business/&id=RTGAM_20090114_wxopposition14|title=NDP 'unlikely' to support budget, favours coalition|work=[[The Globe and Mail]]|date=January 14, 2009|access-date=March 12, 2014|location=Toronto|first=Gloria|last=Galloway|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140313114942/http://ctv2.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090114.wxopposition14/business/Business/Business/%26id%3DRTGAM_20090114_wxopposition14|archive-date=March 13, 2014}}</ref><ref>[https://etacanadaonline.com/] [https://etacanadaonline.com/] {{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>{{Irrelevant citation|date=August 2021}} pledging that the NDP would vote against the Conservative budget regardless of what it contained.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rabble.ca/news/2015/08/remember-jack-layton-and-build-better-canada|title=NDP's budget position may be senseless, but at least it's consistent|publisher=Network.nationalpost.com|access-date=June 5, 2010}}</ref> Layton urged Ignatieff's Liberal Party to topple the Conservatives before the shelf life of the coalition expired; constitutional experts said that four months after the last election, if the government fell, the governor general would likely grant the prime minister's request to dissolve Parliament instead of inviting the coalition.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.torontosun.com/news/canada/2009/01/26/8145701-sun.html|title=Clock ticking on coalition's chances|last=Harris|first=Kathleen|date=January 26, 2009|newspaper=Toronto Sun|access-date=April 23, 2010}}</ref>
[[File:Jack Layton June 28 2009 Toronto Pride Parade.jpg|thumb|alt=Jack Layton appearing in Toronto's Pride Parade 2009|Layton making an appearance in Toronto's Pride Parade in 2009]]
On January 28, 2009, the Liberals agreed to support the Conservative budget with an amendment, ending the possibility of the coalition, so Layton said "Today we have learned that you can't trust Mr. Ignatieff to oppose Mr. Harper. If you oppose Mr. Harper and you want a new government, I urge you to support the NDP."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ignatieff-okays-budget-with-conditions/article1147795/ |title=Ignatieff okays budget, with conditions|work=[[The Globe and Mail]] |date=January 28, 2009|access-date=March 12, 2014|location=Toronto|first1=Campbell |last1=Clark |first2=Jane |last2=Taber }}</ref>

In March 2009, the NDP, under Layton's leadership, re-introduced a motion (first passed June 3, 2008) which, if implemented, would allow [[Canada and Iraq War resisters|conscientious objectors to the Iraq War to remain in Canada]]. The motion again passed March 30, 2009, by 129–125, but it was non-binding.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www2.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?Language=E&Mode=1&Parl=40&Ses=2&DocId=3781662#OOB-2683958 |title=40th PARLIAMENT, 2nd SESSION, EDITED HANSARD • NUMBER 036, CONTENTS, Monday, March&nbsp;30, 2009 |publisher=parl.gc.ca |access-date=June 5, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091126040806/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?Language=E&Mode=1&Parl=40&Ses=2&DocId=3781662 |archive-date=November 26, 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Alex|last=Cooper|title=Federal court to hear American war resister's appeal|url=https://www.thestar.com/article/622278|work=Toronto Star|date=April 21, 2009|access-date=April 23, 2009}}</ref> In a [[leadership review]] vote held at the NDP's August 2009 federal policy convention, 89.25% of delegates voted against holding a [[leadership convention]] to replace Layton.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/ndp-name-change-debate-fizzles/article1253745|title=This page is available to GlobePlus subscribers|work=[[The Globe and Mail]] |access-date=June 5, 2010|location=Toronto}}</ref> In October 2009, Layton paired up with the [[Stephen Lewis]] Foundation to raise money for [[HIV/AIDS]] affected families in Africa. As part of the foundation's A Dare to Remember campaign, Layton busked on a busy street corner.<ref>{{cite news|last=Wiebe|first=Lindsey|url=http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/entertainment/raise-money-for-aids-by-going-out-on-a-limb-56534832.html|title=Raise money for AIDS by going out on a limb|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|access-date=June 5, 2010}}</ref>
[[File:Jack Layton in Town Hall Meeting in 2010.jpg|left|thumb|Layton and [[Rathika Sitsabaiesan]] with other NDP members observing Hindu religious rituals at Town Hall before attending a meeting organized by the [[Tamil Canadian|Canadian Tamil]] community in 2010]]
Layton's son, [[Mike Layton|Mike]] was elected to Toronto City Council in the [[2010 Toronto municipal election|2010 city council election]].<ref name=victory>[http://news.nationalpost.com/2010/10/25/mike-layton-joins-parents-in-victory/ "Mike Layton joins parents in victory"]. ''[[National Post]]'', October 25, 2010.</ref>

In early 2011, Layton was featured in an episode of [[CBC Television]]'s ''[[Make the Politician Work]]''.<ref>[[John Doyle (critic)|John Doyle]], "Forget royal weddings. Give me the Queen of Punk". ''[[The Globe and Mail]]'', January 22, 2011.</ref>

The Conservative government was defeated in a [[Motion of no confidence|no-confidence vote]] on March 25, 2011, with the motion gaining full support of all opposition parties including the New Democrats, after the government was found in [[contempt of Parliament]].<ref>[https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/government-s-defeat-sets-up-election-call-1.1068749 Government's defeat sets up election call]. ''CBC News'', March 25, 2011. Retrieved March 25, 2011.</ref> It was the first time in [[Contempt of Parliament#Contempt citation cases for governments|Commonwealth history]] that a government lost the confidence of the [[House of Commons of Canada|House of Commons]] on the grounds of contempt of Parliament. The no-confidence motion was carried with a vote of 156 in favour of the motion, and 145 against,<ref>[http://www2.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?Language=E&Mode=1&Parl=40&Ses=3&DocId=5072532#Div-204 "Business of Supply (Division 204)"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110402084008/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?Language=E&Mode=1&Parl=40&Ses=3&DocId=5072532#Div-204 |date=April 2, 2011 }}. 40th Parliament, 3rd Session – Edited Hansard, No. 149, March 25, 2011. Retrieved March 25, 2011. The motion presented by the Leader of the Opposition was "That the House agree with the finding of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs that the government is in contempt of Parliament, which is unprecedented in Canadian parliamentary history, and consequently, the House has lost confidence in the government",</ref> thus resulting in the prime minister advising a dissolution of Parliament and a [[2011 Canadian federal election#Contempt of Parliament|federal election]].

===2011 campaign===
{{further|2011 Canadian federal election}}
The day after the successful passing of the motion, Layton started the NDP election campaign, first with a speech in [[Ottawa]] followed later in the day by an event in [[Edmonton]], [[Alberta]].<ref>[http://www.rabble.ca/blogs/bloggers/djclimenhaga/2011/03/jack-laytons-campaign-opener-edmonton-suggests-ndp-strategy-come Jack Layton's campaign opener in Edmonton suggests NDP strategy to come] ''rabble.ca'', March 27, 2011. Retrieved March 29, 2011.</ref> Questions about Layton's health due to a recent hip surgery were often directed to him during the campaign, with Layton insisting that he was healthy enough to lead.<ref>[http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/inside-politics-blog/2011/03/layton-opens-up-about-his-health.html Layton opens up about his health] ''CBC News'', March 29, 2011.</ref><ref>[https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/jack-layton-the-fighter-1.1031145 Jack Layton: The fighter] ''CBC News'', March 25, 2011. Retrieved March 30, 2011.</ref> On March 29, 2011, the New Democrats presented their first real campaign promise, a proposal to cap credit card rates to reduce credit card debt.<ref>[https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/layton-promises-to-cap-credit-card-rates-1.1031437 Layton promises to cap credit card rates] ''CBC News'', March 29, 2011.</ref>
[[File:Layton Quebec 18042011-1.jpg|thumb|upright|Layton with his chief of staff, [[Anne McGrath]], campaigning in Quebec City]]
Unlike the previous election, Layton stated he was in favour of [[Green Party of Canada|Green Party]] leader [[Elizabeth May]] speaking at the leaders debates, despite the fact that she was once again being discouraged by the Canadian media networks.<ref>[https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/debate-over-may-diverts-campaign-1.1105297 Debate over May diverts campaign] ''CBC News'', March 30, 2011. Retrieved March 30, 2011.</ref> The NDP also embarked upon the largest advertising campaign in its history, focusing on the Harper government's health care record.<ref>[https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/ndp-seeks-to-shape-health-debate-with-ads-1.1102715 NDP seeks to shape health debate with ads] ''CBC News'', March 30, 2011. Retrieved March 30, 2011.</ref> He also dedicated the federal election campaign to former [[Premier of Saskatchewan|Saskatchewan premier]] [[Allan Blakeney]], who died about halfway through the campaign.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/former-saskatchewan-premier-allan-blakeney-dies-of-cancer/article4182127/ |title=Former Sask. Premier Allan Blakeney dies of cancer, Opposition leader says |work=The Globe and Mail |date=April 16, 2011 |access-date=March 12, 2014 }}</ref>

Despite entering the campaign with relatively low poll numbers,<ref>{{cite journal|author=Richard J. Brennan National Affairs Writer|url=https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/politics/article/972241--ndp-fortunes-falling-fast-in-latest-poll|title=NDP fortunes falling fast in latest poll|journal=Toronto Star |date=April 9, 2011|access-date=April 25, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Gloria Galloway|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/layton-remains-game-despite-polls-showing-hes-the-odd-man-out/article575778/|title=Layton remains game despite polls showing he's the odd man out|work=[[The Globe and Mail]]|date=April 8, 2011|access-date=March 12, 2014|location=Toronto}}</ref> the NDP recovered and increased their support significantly after Layton's performance in the [[2011 Canadian leaders debates|leaders debates]].<ref>{{cite news|author=Joanna Smith Ottawa Bureau|url=https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/politics/article/976225|title=NDP moves into tie with Liberals: Poll|work=Toronto Star |date=April 13, 2011|access-date=April 18, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/canada-politics-idUSN1822211320110418|title=Canada's NDP pushes for bigger place in election sun|work=Reuters|date=February 14, 2011|access-date=April 18, 2011|first=Randall|last=Palmer}}</ref> In the English-language debate, Layton criticized [[Michael Ignatieff]]'s poor attendance record in the House of Commons, saying "You know, most Canadians, if they don't show up for work, they don't get a promotion!", to which Ignatieff was unable to respond effectively.<ref>Stinson, S. (August 23, 2011). [http://fullcomment.nationalpost.com/2011/08/23/scott-stinson-10-moments-that-helped-shape-layton%E2%80%99s-political-career/ Scott Stinson: 10 moments that helped shape Layton's political career] {{webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20120712043947/http://fullcomment.nationalpost.com/2011/08/23/scott-stinson-10-moments-that-helped-shape-layton%E2%80%99s-political-career/ |date=July 12, 2012 }}. ''National Post''. Retrieved on: September 19, 2011.</ref><ref>Wells, P. (May 7, 2011). [http://www.macleans.ca/2011/05/07/turning-up-the-heat/ The untold story of the 2011 election: Chapter 4 – Turning up the heat]. ''Maclean's''. Retrieved September 19, 2011.</ref><ref>Smith, Joanna. (April 20, 2011). [https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/politics/article/977416--for-layton-the-real-battle-is-with-ignatieff For Layton, the real battle is with Ignatieff]. ''the star.com''. Retrieved on: September 19, 2011.</ref> ''[[The Globe and Mail]]'' described Layton's attack as a "knock-out punch" while the ''[[Toronto Star]]'' stated it was the "pivot in the debate [that] was a turning point in the federal campaign". Layton's New Democrats successfully capitalized on Ignatieff's attendance record in the Toronto area.<ref>[http://m.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ottawa-notebook/ndp-makes-hay-of-ignatieff-truancy-as-serene-liberals-lash-out/article1997497/?service=mobile "NDP makes hay of Ignatieff truancy as 'serene' Liberals lash out"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150108074935/http://m.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ottawa-notebook/ndp-makes-hay-of-ignatieff-truancy-as-serene-liberals-lash-out/article1997497/?service=mobile |date=January 8, 2015 }}. ''[[The Globe and Mail]]'', September 10, 2012.</ref><ref>[https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2011/05/07/exclusive_what_really_sunk_michael_ignatieff_and_the_liberals.html "Exclusive: What really sunk Michael Ignatieff and the Liberals"]. ''[[Toronto Star]]'', May 7, 2011.</ref><ref>[http://www.torontosun.com/news/decision2011/2011/04/13/17976836.html "Layton puts egg on Iggy's face in debate"]. ''[[Toronto Sun]]'', April 13, 2011.</ref>

On February 4, 2011, Layton attended a rally against [[usage-based billing in Canada|usage-based billing]] in Toronto with MPs [[Dan McTeague]], [[Olivia Chow]], [[Peggy Nash]] and others.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.nationalpost.com/2011/02/04/usage-based-billing-rally-smaller-than-expected-taken-over-by-ndp/|title=Usage-based billing rally smaller than expected, taken over by NDP|publisher=News.nationalpost.com|date=February 4, 2011|access-date=February 13, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Tochilin|first=Andrey|url=http://vimeo.com/19583788|title=NDP. Stop the Meter on Vimeo|publisher=Vimeo.com|access-date=February 13, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.worldbroadbandfoundation.org/content/canadian-ubb-protest-february-2011-0|title=Canadian UBB Protest February 2011|publisher=World Broadband Foundation|access-date=February 13, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130416163519/http://www.worldbroadbandfoundation.org/content/canadian-ubb-protest-february-2011-0|archive-date=April 16, 2013}}</ref> His attendance at this rally was accompanied by several press releases by the NDP denouncing metered internet usage in Canada.<ref>{{cite web|author=Don Davies |url=http://dondavies.ndp.ca/post/ndp-slams-crtcs-approval-of-usage-based-billing-for-internet-service |title=NDP slams CRTC's approval of usage-based billing for Internet service |publisher=Dondavies.ndp.ca |date=January 21, 2011 |access-date=February 13, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304051303/http://dondavies.ndp.ca/post/ndp-slams-crtcs-approval-of-usage-based-billing-for-internet-service |archive-date=March 4, 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ndp.ca/press/canadians-lose-out-with-internet-metered-billing|title=Canadians lose out with internet metered billing|publisher=Ndp.ca|date=January 20, 2011|access-date=February 13, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120205185409/http://www.ndp.ca/press/canadians-lose-out-with-internet-metered-billing|archive-date=February 5, 2012}}</ref>

The NDP surge began in Quebec, with the NDP surprising many observers by surpassing the previously front-running Bloc in Quebec.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/layton-sees-growing-quebec-support-targets-liberals-1.1076764|title=Layton sees growing Quebec support, targets Liberals|publisher=CBC|location=Canada|date=April 18, 2011|access-date=April 18, 2011}}</ref> In Canada overall, the NDP surged past the Liberals to take the second place behind the Conservatives; in Quebec, the NDP took first place.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/canada-us-politics-ekos-idCATRE73O5UR20110425|title=NDP surges to strong second place in poll|work=Reuters |date=April 25, 2011|access-date=April 25, 2011|first=Janet|last=Guttsman}}</ref><ref name="EKOS">{{cite web|url=http://www.ekospolitics.com/wp-content/uploads/full_report_april_21_2011.pdf|title=NDP Breakout Continues As Everyone Else Spins Wheels|access-date =April 23, 2011|last=[[EKOS Research Associates|EKOS]]|date=April 2011}}</ref> The NDP surge became the dominant narrative of the last week of the campaign, as other parties turned their attacks on the party and Layton.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://vancouversun.com/news/decision-canada/surge+dominates+talk+federal+campaign+trail/4685960/story.html|title=NDP surge dominates talk on federal campaign trail|work=Vancouver Sun|date=April 27, 2011|access-date=April 27, 2011|archive-date=May 2, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110502043910/http://www.vancouversun.com/news/decision-canada/surge+dominates+talk+federal+campaign+trail/4685960/story.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
[[File:Jack Layton 2011-04-18.jpg|thumb|upright|left|Layton in Quebec during the federal electoral campaign]] 
On April 29, 2011, a retired police officer told the [[Sun News Network]] and the ''[[Toronto Sun]]'' newspaper that in 1996, Layton had been found in a [[Massage parlor|massage parlour]] when police, looking for underage Asian [[sex worker]]s, raided the establishment. The police informed Layton of the potentially questionable use of the business and recommended that he avoid it in the future. No charges were filed.<ref>{{cite web|last=Pazzano|first=Sam|title=Sun News Exclusive|url=http://www.sunnewsnetwork.ca/video/924574695001|publisher=Sun News Network|access-date=April 30, 2011|date=April 29, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110503040106/http://www.sunnewsnetwork.ca/video/924574695001|archive-date=May 3, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Pizzano|first=Sam|title=Layton found in bawdy house: Ex-cop|url=http://www.torontosun.com/2011/04/29/layton-found-in-toronto-bawdy-house-former-cop|newspaper=Toronto Sun|access-date=April 30, 2011|date=April 29, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Chow|first=Olivia|title=Layton slams 'smear campaign' over massage-parlour allegations|url=http://news.nationalpost.com/2011/04/29/layton-was-present-during-1996-police-raid-of-massage-clinic-but-not-charged-with-any-wrongdoing-chow/|work=National Post |location=Canada |access-date=April 30, 2011|date=April 29, 2011}}</ref> The ''Sun'' later ran a follow-up piece, in which Toronto city councillor [[Giorgio Mammoliti]] criticized Layton.<ref>{{cite web|last=Yuen|first=Jenny|title=T.O. councillor skeptical of Layton story|url=http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/CanadaVotes/News/2011/04/30/18087876.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120707061749/http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/CanadaVotes/News/2011/04/30/18087876.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 7, 2012|publisher=canoe.ca|access-date=April 30, 2011}}</ref> Layton has said there was no wrongdoing in the matter, saying that he simply "went for a massage at a community clinic" and did not return after the police advised him not to.<ref>{{cite news|title=Layton confident voters will dismiss massage parlour 'smear campaign'|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/layton-confident-voters-will-dismiss-massage-parlour-smear-campaign/article2005429|work=[[The Globe and Mail]] |access-date=April 30, 2011|date=April 30, 2011|location=Toronto}}</ref> He also referred to the release of the police report as a [[smear campaign]] against him.<ref>{{cite news|last=Smith|first=Joanna|title=Layton camp in damage control over massage parlour allegations|url=https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/politics/article/983321--layton-camp-denies-alleged-massage-parlour-incident?bn=1|work=The Star|access-date=April 30, 2011|date=April 29, 2011|location=Toronto}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=NDP responds to Layton massage-visit allegations|url=http://www.canada.com/responds+Layton+massage+visit+allegations/4701230/story.html|publisher=Postmedia News|access-date=April 30, 2011|date=April 29, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Layton denies Sun Media's massage parlour allegations|url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/layton-denies-sun-media-s-massage-parlour-allegations-1.637626|publisher=CTV News|access-date=April 30, 2011|date=April 30, 2011}}</ref><ref name="cbc110429">{{cite news|title=Leak of police notes in Layton report probed|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/leak-of-police-notes-in-layton-report-probed-1.1035231|work=[[CBC News]]|access-date=April 30, 2011|date=April 29, 2011}}</ref> [[Bloc Québécois]] leader [[Gilles Duceppe]] also dismissed the claim.<ref>{{cite news|last=Dougherty |first=Kevin |title=Gilles Duceppe dismisses Jack Layton massage story |url=https://montrealgazette.com/health/Gilles+Duceppe+dismisses+Jack+Layton+massage+story/4704174/story.html |access-date=April 30, 2011 |newspaper=The Gazette |date=April 30, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110503201506/http://www.montrealgazette.com/health/Gilles%2BDuceppe%2Bdismisses%2BJack%2BLayton%2Bmassage%2Bstory/4704174/story.html |archive-date=May 3, 2011 }}</ref> A columnist for the ''[[National Post]]'' suggested that it was a Liberal insider that leaked the story, although a Liberal Party spokesman denied that they had anything to do with it.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.macleans.ca/2011/05/02/liberal-insider-leaked-story-of-laytons-massage-says-columnist/|title=Liberal insider leaked story of Layton's massage, says columnist|magazine=Maclean's|date=May 2, 2011|access-date=December 21, 2011}}</ref>

A subsequent ''Toronto Star'' column stated that most contributors to online discussions agreed there was a smear campaign against Layton.<ref>{{cite news|last=Gordon|first=Andrea|title=Online debate more about 'smear job' than Layton|url=https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/983511--online-debate-more-about-smear-job-than-layton|access-date=April 30, 2011|newspaper=Toronto Star|date=April 30, 2011}}</ref> As for political damage from this story, that same day's update of the [[Nanos Research|Nanos]] Leadership Index, which assesses public opinion on the Canadian federal leaders' trustworthiness, competence and vision for Canada, saw Layton rise from a score of 80 to a score of 97, surpassing Harper's 88 and Ignatieff's 39. The polling company speculated this improvement is due to strong sympathy by the public for a political candidate they judged as being unfairly maligned.<ref>{{cite news|last=Galloway|first=Gloria|date=May 1, 2011|title=Gap between Tories, NDP narrows to 6 points in 11th-hour polling|newspaper=The Globe and Mail|location=Toronto|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ottawa-notebook/gap-between-tories-ndp-narrows-to-6-points-in-11th-hour-polling/article2005684/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110503191529/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ottawa-notebook/gap-between-tories-ndp-narrows-to-6-points-in-11th-hour-polling/article2005684/|access-date=May 2, 2011|archive-date=May 3, 2011}}</ref> The [[Toronto Police Service]] launched an investigation into how official police notes were leaked to [[Sun Media]]. Police notebooks are closely guarded and may contain unfounded and unproven allegations.<ref name="cbc110429"/> On May 5, 2011, it was announced that no charges would be laid with regards to the leaked information.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://vancouversun.com/news/decision-canada/charges+Layton+massage+parlour+leak+Police/4735627/story.html|title=No charges in Layton massage parlour leak: Police|work=Vancouver Sun|date=May 5, 2011|access-date=June 4, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110626075105/http://www.vancouversun.com/news/charges+Layton+massage+parlour+leak+Police/4735627/story.html|archive-date=June 26, 2011}}</ref>

Layton appeared on the [[Télévision de Radio-Canada|Radio-Canada]] talk show ''[[Tout le monde en parle (Quebec)|Tout le monde en parle]]'' on April 3, an appearance that was credited for improving his party's standing among Francophone voters due to his informal Québécois French.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/layton-remains-game-despite-polls-showing-hes-the-odd-man-out/article575778/ |title=Three leaders, three accents |first=Lysiane |last=Gagnon |date=April 18, 2011 |access-date=March 12, 2014 |newspaper=The Globe and Mail }}</ref> The show is the most popular program in Quebec.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=Montreal Gazette |title=Sovereignist Lepage opened door for Layton |url=https://montrealgazette.com/news/Jack+Layton+strong+connection+with+Quebec+province+loved+back/5290922/story.html |author=PHILIP AUTHIER |date=May 7, 2011 |access-date=August 23, 2011 }}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> He was also perceived to have performed well in the televised French-language party leaders' debate on April 13.

In the May 2, 2011, election, Layton led the NDP to 103 seats, more than double its previous high. This was also enough to make the NDP the [[Official Opposition (Canada)|Official Opposition]] for the first time. The NDP gains were partly due to a major surge in [[Quebec]] as the party won 59 of the province's 75 seats, dominating Montreal and sweeping [[Quebec City]] and the [[Outaouais]], although the NDP also won more seats than any other opposition party in the rest of Canada. The NDP had gone into the election with only one seat in Quebec, that of [[Thomas Mulcair]], and had won but a single seat in the province historically ([[Phil Edmonston]] in a 1990 by-election). Many of these gains came at the expense of the Bloc, which was reduced to a four-seat rump without official party status in Parliament.