Dear Madam Turmel;

On behalf of the Solidarity Committee for Ethiopian Political Prisoners Canada (SOCEPP CANADA) , we are writing to express our deep condolences to you, the family and friends of the Honorable Jack Layton who passed away on August 22, 2011.

The death of Mr. Layton is a great lose not only to his family but for all who advocate for social justice , respect of Human rights and the creation of just societies every where. In addition to the many great contributions Mr. Layton has made to Canada, he has also been an advocate and inspiration for those of us who advocate for respect of Human Rights, the release of political prisoners and the basic respect of citizens rights half way around the globe in places such as Ethiopia.

Under the leadership of Mr. Layton, SOCEPP Canada has enjoyed tremendous support from the NDP and other Canadian MPs. On many occasions, the NDP with MPs from other parties has been at the forefront of exposing the untold human rights abuse in Ethiopia and calling for an immediate end to such abuses.

While we are deeply saddened by Mr. Layton’s untimely death, we have no doubt that the foundation he has laid down will continue to inspire members of the NDP and many other Canadians to continue their struggle for social justice here in Canada and in the international arena.

We pray that God gives you, Mr. Layton’s family and his friends the strength to overcome this grief.