A prime minister's job is to make sure the government works for those who have elected him, and not for big corporations.

In this quote, Jack Layton, a Canadian politician and leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP), emphasizes the core responsibility of a prime minister: to serve the interests of the people who elected him, rather than the interests of big corporations. Layton argues that a prime minister's duty is to ensure that the government works for the public good, focusing on the needs of citizens and addressing their concerns. He warns against the influence of powerful corporate entities that can distort government priorities and undermine democracy.

Layton’s statement reflects his progressive political ideology, which prioritized social justice, equality, and accountability in government. He was a vocal critic of corporate power and its potential to undermine public policy, particularly when it came to issues like corporate tax breaks, environmental regulations, and labor rights. For Layton, a government that serves corporations over the general public risks becoming disconnected from the needs and values of its citizens, leading to policies that favor the wealthy and powerful over the broader population.

This quote also underscores Layton’s belief in the democratic principles of governance. He argues that government should be accountable to the people, not to special interests like big corporations. Layton's view reflects his long-standing commitment to public service, which he believed should prioritize social welfare, healthcare, and economic fairness over corporate profit motives. His statement is a call to action for politicians to remain focused on the public good rather than succumbing to corporate influence.

The origin of this quote can be traced to Layton's career as a leader of the NDP, where he consistently advocated for policies that challenged corporate power and sought to ensure that the government remained responsive to the needs of ordinary citizens. As a strong proponent of social democracy, Layton believed that a prime minister's primary role was to safeguard the interests of the public, particularly marginalized communities, against the influence of big corporations. His perspective shaped much of his political platform and remains an important part of his legacy.