Former long-time leader of the federal NDP Ed Broadbent died on Thursday, January 11, 2024. He was 87-years-old.
Broadbent served as leader of the NDP from 1975 to 1989 and served as an MP from 1968 to 1990 and again from 2004 to 2006.
Politicians and labour leaders began issuing tributes of remembrance after the news of Broadbent’s passing broke on Thursday afternoon.
“Ed Broadbent was a lifelong champion of our movement and our party. He dedicated his considerable gifts to the project of social democracy, never wavering in his belief that we must build a Canada that serves everyone – not just the rich and powerful,” said current NDP leader Jagmeet Singh in a statement.
Singh added that he had often said when he was younger that Broadbent was the type of person he wanted to be when he grew up.
“He lived a long life of hope and he worked hard to turn that hope into reality. His legacy is found not only in his political achievements but in the lives of millions of Canadians who have benefitted from his passionate commitment to social democracy,” Singh concluded.
Those who served with Broadbent in Parliament remembered him fondly.
Former NDP MP Libby Davies wrote:
“Ed Broadbent – the kind of guy you’d have beer with anytime and listen to his marvellous stories and experiences in politics and life. He leaves a big hole in Canada’s Left. Many of us learned good politics from Ed and admired his generous leadership and deep commitment to making life better for working people everywhere. His recently published book Seeking Social Democracy is a wonderful narrative of his contribution to Canadian politics and progressive politics. I was proud to serve with him in Parliament and call him a good friend beyond the political arena. Ed will be remembered and loved for many accomplishments – not the least of which is, he made people understand they mattered and that he was there, rooting for us all.”
Reverence for Broadbent seems to have extended across party lines and Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also tweeted a tribute to him.
Canada is better off because of Ed Broadbent’s selfless service. An advocate for equality and champion for justice, his commitment to helping others never wavered. He leaves behind an incredible legacy – one that will, no doubt, continue to inspire people across the country.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) January 11, 2024
An extraordinary Parliamentarian and labour advocate
During Broadbent’s long tenure as NDP leader, he helped grow the party to its highest levels of success it had seen up to that point in its history.
In the 1988 election Broadbent led his party to securing 43 seats in the House of Commons, a record that remained unchallenged until Jack Layton’s historic win of 103 seats in 2011.
Chair of board of directors at the Broadbent Institute and former NDP party president, Brian Topp said:
“Ed combined a life-long passion for justice and equality, with a passion for life itself, and all the joys and happiness it has to offer. He was an extraordinary Parliamentarian and political leader. He was a deeply thoughtful intellectual. And he was wonderful company and a most wonderful friend to have. All of us who knew him will miss him, celebrate him and, hopefully, do what he would most want of us. Which is to carry on his work.” .
Unions were quick to honour Broadbent as well for his years of advocacy for workers issues.
“Ed Broadbent was a giant among us, a man with incomparable heart and integrity. Ed championed workers’ issues and always stood up for the most marginalized among us. He was a great leader, mentor and friend to so many of us, and he will be missed more than words can express,” said Bea Bruske, president of the Canadian Labour Congress.
Messages of support also came from the Public Service Alliance of Canada, Unifor and other Canadian unions.
“Ed’s legacy is of building a true progressive movement in Canada – fighting for workers and a better world for everyone. That legacy will live on including in all those who were inspired by him,” said Unifor president Lana Payne.
In addition to being a political leader, Broadbent was also an academic leader on the Left. Having received his PhD in political science from the University of Toronto in 1966, Broadbent shared his theories on social democracy, wealth redistribution and the economy.
“Ed held strongly to the social democratic idea that governments could re-distribute income without necessarily transforming the way income was produced. That made him controversial on the Left. Many favoured undermining the profit driven economy. and reversing the power relations which favoured employers over workers,” said Duncan Cameron, rabble president emeritus. “Today he is revered in the media which mostly ignored him when he led the NDP. It’s a Canadian tradition to honour the NDP figures only when they pass away.”
In 2011 Broadbent founded the eponymous Broadbent Institute, a policy research and educational organization to help promote a diverse, just, and inclusive society.
“However we may differ, we are all human. And we all have the right to have our inner dignity respected—and especially in this House in debate.”
– Ed Broadbent (1936–2024) reflects on the need for civility in the House of Commons during his farewell speech to MPs, May 5, 2005. pic.twitter.com/uJBT78J88H
— CPAC (@CPAC_TV) January 11, 2024
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