Jack Layton got a warm reception at a town hall in Kamloops, B.C., tonight. It was held at Thompson Rivers University, a new facility that sits atop a windy road and gives the most spectacular view of the city.

Rosemary Barton

The crowd was large — 400 is the combined guess of pool reporters — and diverse: families, seniors and students.

Layton seems to like these town halls. He holds the mic a la Phil Donahue and works the room. He takes questions from pretty much anyone who has one.

The answers are — well — standard. At least, if you follow him every day they are.

It's the "other" moments that give the town hall meetings colour.

For instance, when Layton was asked about the culture cuts tonight he revealed that after his appearance on television Tuesday criticizing the Conservative cuts he got an email — from his mom.

Layton says his mom reminded him of all the community choirs when he was growing up that needed money to travel. Or orchestras that were sent to smaller towns to perform.

I guess everyone likes a little feedback from mom once in a while.

— Rosemary Barton