Jack Layton's casket arrives in Ottawa carrying, hundreds, capital, carried, outside

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Jack Layton's casket arrives in Ottawa

OTTAWA — Jack Layton arrived in the nation's capital for the final time Wednesday, as a hearse carrying his flag-draped casket pulled up to Parliament Hill.


A bagpipe lament filling the air, hundreds of people lined the driveway at the Hill, eager to pay their respects to the late NDP leader, who died Monday after a second battle with cancer.


An RCMP honour guard carried Layton's casket into the foyer outside the House of Commons, where politicians of all stripes and members of the public were expected to pay their respects on Wednesday and Thursday, as he lies in state.


Layton's casket was transported from Toronto early Wednesday morning along Highways 401 and 416.


MPs from the New Democrat caucus will line the Rotunda as Layton's casket is greeted by a military arrival guard and RCMP pallbearers carry it into Parliament.


His family, then the public, will be offered the chance to pay their respects as his body lies in state in the foyer just outside the House of Commons on Wednesday and Thursday.


At least 54 New Democrat parliamentarians already have confirmed their attendance.


A red carpet had been laid under the Peace Tower on Wednesday morning, and the flag was flying at half-staff.


Gov. Gen. David Johnston was to be among the first dignitaries to visit Layton. Other VIPS were expected between 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. ET.


Then the doors to Centre Block will then be opened to the public until the evening.


After two days, Layton's body will be taken back to Toronto for a state funeral Saturday at Toronto's Roy Thomson Hall.


Former NDP leader Ed Broadbent is the only confirmed pallbearer, so far.


Heritage Canada has taken the lead in organizing state funerals, in accordance with the family's wishes.


The last state funeral was for former governor general Romeo LeBlanc in July 2009. LeBlanc was laid to rest in his hometown of Memramcook, N.B., 25 kilometres southeast of Moncton.


The first Canadian state funeral was held for Thomas D'Arcy McGee after he was assassinated in 1868. McGee was a cabinet minister in the first Parliament under Sir John A. Macdonald.

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Katie Beardsley (with flowers in her backpack) with Alissa Campbell paying respect at the growing memorial to Jack Layton on Parliament Hill.




Jack Layton speaks to the media in this March 29, 2011, file photo.