Craig Scott: Layton’s successor in Toronto-Danforth

The Toronto Star:

A day after winning the NDP nomination in Jack Layton’s Toronto-Danforth riding, human rights lawyer Craig Scott said he was both “tired and exhilarated,” “daunted and honoured.”

Layton, the beloved NDP leader who died of cancer on Aug. 22, had held the riding since 2004 and garnered more than 60 per cent of the vote in the 2011 election. Prior to Layton, Toronto-Danforth was a Liberal stronghold for 16 years.

Scott said he has no plans to replace Layton, who led the NDP in its historic 2011 campaign. But, if elected, he hopes to follow Layton’s example as a committed local representative with broader national interests. The 49-year-old Osgoode Hall law professor and social justice activist also confessed he’s a little behind in his marking.

How does it feel to be taking over the nomination in his old riding?

It’s daunting and it’s an honour as well. People ask what it’s like to aspire to replace him and the first thing I say is that nobody can replace him — absolutely not. I think of it as following in his footsteps, not walking in his shoes. This riding has come to expect exceptional representation so expectations have to be high, but nobody can reach his level; he had become a very special Canadian.

Are you endorsing anyone for the party leadership?

No. I’m still undecided myself. I made my final decision to seek the nomination only after watching the first debate to see what kind of chemistry and intellectual energy there was amongst the leadership candidates. I came away extremely impressed with well over half the field, all of whom I could see becoming leader.

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