Ed Broadbent, P.C., C.C. (1936-2024)
A champion for ordinary Canadians and tireless advocate for democratic institutions, Ed Broadbent was devoted to improving the lives of all Canadians. Throughout his seven decade career, Broadbent fought for justice and equality, making great strides in the advancement of the rights of disadvantaged persons. Broadbent will be remembered as a great thinker whose kindness, charisma and sense of humour could bring Canadians together.
Born in Oshawa, Ontario, in 1936, John Edward Broadbent demonstrated an interest in politics at a young age. As a high school student, he paid attention to the role democratic institutions could play in improving all lives, and thus was born his passion and dedication to the fight for equal rights. He earned a degree in philosophy from the University of Toronto, graduating in 1959. Broadbent then pursued postgraduate studies at the London School of Economics, before returning to the University of Toronto where he obtained a doctorate in political theory, graduating in 1966.
Ed Broadbent was elected to the House of Commons in 1968 as a member of the New Democratic Party of Canada (NDP). He was a member of Parliament for the riding of Oshawa-Whitby for seven years before becoming leader of the NDP in 1975, a position he held until 1989, when he retired from politics. During his 14-year leadership, Broadbent argued for the abolition of capital punishment, and advocated for the rights of same-sex couples to marry. He also focused his efforts on Indigenous rights, women’s equality, child poverty, ethics in government, electoral reform and tax equality.
During his leadership of the NDP, Broadbent served as vice-president of the Socialist International from 1979 to 1989, under the presidency of Willy Brandt, former Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany. Between 1990 and 1996, Ed Broadbent served as president of the International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development, a non-partisan independent Canadian institution that promoted peace and justice around the world. He made a brief return to the House of Commons from 2004 to 2006 when he was elected as member of Parliament for Ottawa Centre, under the NDP leadership of Jack Layton.
In 2011, Ed Broadbent founded the Broadbent Institute as a social democratic think tank to produce original research, convene progressive dialogues, and train organizers and leaders to equip social movements working to advance justice and equality. He remained active as founder and as member of the Institute’s Board of Directors while teaching political science at several universities in Canada and abroad.
Ed Broadbent has been recognized by many for his accomplishments. He notably received several honorary doctorates and was made a Companion of the Order of Canada in 2001. His devotion to public life leaves behind a lasting legacy, moving Canada towards a more just and inclusive society. Ed Broadbent was honoured in January 2024 with a state funeral service celebrating his life’s work and dedication to social justice and equality.
The Ed Broadbent Research Archive is a legacy project currently in development that will help to historically preserve Ed’s political and economic intellectual thoughts to be shared and studied by future generations of Canadians wanting to help build a Good Society for all.