Who should play Jack Layton in CBC’s made-for-TV movie?

We all knew this was coming: filmmaker Laszlo Barna and the CBC are in negotiations to produce a biopic film chronicling the life and times of former NDP leader Jack Layton.

According to an article in the Globe and Mail, Layton's widow, MP Olivia Chow, along with Layton's son Mike and daughter Sarah, have all given Barna their blessing and have even agreed to participate in the project.

"I've seen some of his films, which have a depth, because he treats his subjects with great respect," Chow told the Globe and Mail.

"Hopefully, the movie will encourage people who haven't been involved in politics to be less cynical and more willing to participate. If we can inspire some young people to do so, that would be perfect."

The Globe article includes an accompanying poll asking readers to choose who they believe should play the title role. Currently, actors Colm Feore and Paul Gross top the list.

In an interview with Yahoo! Canada News, Canadian film producer Dennis Tal, suggested Kiefer Sutherland for the part of Layton.

"Not only does he look like a younger version of Layton, he was a big supporter of him," said Tal.

"His grandfather was also Tommy Douglas - former premier of Saskatchewan and first NDP leader federally."

Casting director Lisa Parasyn said the person who plays Layton doesn't necessarily need to be well-known.

"You would definitely need to do a search across Canada," she told Yahoo! Canada News.

"Maybe America — but do you want an American in the role?

"You would prefer someone that looks like (Layton) but more importantly someone with his charisma. You want someone who can capture the essence of the man."