By Canadian Press

CP NewsAlert: Former federal NDP leader Ed Broadbent dead at 87

Jan 11, 2024 | 12:58 PM

OTTAWA — Former federal New Democrat leader Ed Broadbent has died at 87.

The news was shared today by the Broadbent Institute, an Ottawa-based think tank founded by the former member of Parliament.

Born in Oshawa, Ont., Broadbent served as a member of Parliament for a riding in the area for 21 years, leading the federal NDP from 1975 to 1989.

That leadership period included four different prime ministers; Pierre Trudeau, Joe Clark, John Turner and Brian Mulroney.

He returned to the House of Commons for two years as the MP for Ottawa Centre from 2004 to 2006.

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The Broadbent Institute says he spent decades fighting for justice and equality, calling him a “fierce champion for ordinary Canadians.”

Rachel Notley, Leader of the Alberta NDP, issued the following statement regarding the death of Ed Broadbent:

“I am saddened to learn of the passing of Ed Broadbent.

“I met Ed when I was 13. I remember he was very patient and kind.

“He got along with everyone. Ed was as comfortable in a room of blue-collar factory workers as he was around a table of academics.

“Little did I know during that first meeting that Ed would go on to create a multigenerational example of the perfect combination of ethics, intellect, empathy and authentic connection with — and concern for — regular Canadians. He devoted his life to improving things for the most vulnerable in our society.

“Ed makes me proud to be a lifelong member of the NDP.

“We will never forget him and all he did.

“Rest in power.”

The Canadian Press

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