Ed Broadbent, Who Passed Away this January 11th at Age 87 – Spent His Life Fighting For the Common Good and for Social Justice for All
“Today, as we stand at the cusp of 2024, Canada faces significant challenges. A worsening affordability crisis, right-wing extremism, and historic levels of cynicism, created an environment where leaders like Doug Ford, Danielle Smith, Pierre Poilievre, and Donald Trump are emboldened. Thankfully, we at the Broadbent Institute are purpose built to meet these challenges head-on.” – from a Holiday Season message Ed Broadbent sent out to supporters of the Broadbent Institute he founded and to all Canadians just this past December, 2023
A Few Words of Remembrance from Doug Draper, Niagara At Large, followed by a Tribute from the Broadbent Institute and more
Posted January 11th, 2024
Ed Broadbent, during the years he served as Leader of Canada’s New Democratic Party
All I can say is that I feel blessed to have shared some of my life in Canada at the same time as Ed Broadbent, a true humanitarian who served as an inspiration for all who shared his dream for a society that is kind and just for everyone.
Ed Broadbent, who for those old enough to remember, was one of only two federal NDP leaders in the party’s 62-year to win more than 40 seats in an election. In 2011, the now-late and then leader of the ,arty did even better with what was is known to this day as the “Big Orange Wave” win for the NDP of 59 seat – a result that has not been achieved by any federal NDP leader since and can largely be attributed to Layton’s dynamic leadership and to the two decades Broadbent spent building a party many Canadians, were eager to rally their support behind. eager to rally behind.
Inspired by the NDP’s first leader Tommy Douglas – father of Canada’s system of publicly funded health care – never stopped being a voice for the common good after he left elected politicians and went on, in more recent times, to establish the Broadbent Institute, a widely supported think tank for progressive social change.
I could go on but I could never match the tribute that the Broadbent institute posted this January 11th.
So here is is –
It is with the heaviest of hearts that the Broadbent Institute announces the passing of our founder, Ed Broadbent.
Our country has lost a fierce champion for ordinary Canadians, an intellectual who strongly believed in building a good society.
Ed devoted decades of his life to fighting for justice and equality in Canada and around the world. As a Member of Parliament, leader of the New Democratic Party, president of Rights & Democracy and beyond, he tirelessly advocated for all people, especially those on the margins of society.
A steadfast advocate for equal rights, Ed played a pivotal role in enshrining rights and liberties for all peoples in our country’s laws and constitution. He was a rare intellectual who could connect the challenges faced by ordinary citizens with the movements and institutions striving for economic democracy.
The Broadbent Institute celebrates Ed’s life and his immense contributions to our nation. We mourn the loss of a great Canadian.
“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.”— Brian Topp, Broadbent Institute Chair of the Board of Directors
“Ed Broadbent’s legacy is immeasurable and he has left an enduring mark on Canada. He stood tall in his commitment to democracy, equality, and a more inclusive society–always striving to better the lives of ordinary Canadians through his work. His visionary-style of leadership and unwavering courage inspired generations. Ed’s absence leaves a void in our hearts. At the Broadbent Institute, we remain steadfast in our dedication to advancing his mission and working to build the good society he envisioned.” — Jen Hassum, Broadbent Institute Executive Director
In the postscript to Seeking Social Democracy, Ed leaves us with an enduring vision and his hopes for what is to be done to build the good society for today and the future:
“To be humane, societies must be democratic – and, to be democratic, every person must be afforded the economic and social rights necessary for their individual flourishing. On their own, political and civil freedoms are insufficient in the realization of that goal. I believed in 1968, and I believe today, that political democracy is not enough. In the twenty-first century, the rebuilding of social democracy must be our task. Social democracy alone offers the foundation upon which the lives of people everywhere can be made dignified, just, and exciting.”
For more on the Broadbent Institute and its great work, click on – Broadbent Institute .
A Final Note from Niagara At Large – In the Fall of 2017, Ed Broadbent met a kindred spirit from the United States in the name of Senator Bernie Sanders, who ran a strong race for his countries presidency in 2016 that (thanks to the loaded system of super delegates the Democratic Party used to pick a presidential nominee at the time) unfortunately fell short. The two standard bearers for social democrat got together during a visit Bernie Sanders made to Toronto where he was greeted by enthusiastic Canadian supporters.
This is what Ed Broadbent wrote about Bernie Sanders at the time –
Last month (October 2017) I got to spend some quality time with my fellow social democrat, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders.
Two great warriors fpr social justice – Ed Broadbent (right) and Bernie Sanders – together
As you may know, for decades, Bernie has been leading the fight for a universal healthcare system in the U.S. – a fight that was at the core of his inspiring campaign to be the Democratic Presidential nominee.
In October the Broadbent Institute, along with our partners, arranged for Bernie to come to Canada. During his trip he spoke to a capacity crowd at the University of Toronto’s Convocation Hall about what the U.S. can learn from Canadian health care. Over 250,000 people viewed the livestream online, with a further 1.4 million people reached by the social media surrounding the event.
It was clear to everyone watching that Canadians, in fact, have a few things to learn from Bernie Sanders. His speech was significant for two reasons.
First, he is an unapologetic social democrat who has inspired a whole new generation of voters with those values in a country where hyper-capitalism is king. The enthusiasm he has generated has carried over to young people here in Canada and around the world.
Second, Bernie urged us to keep on fighting, to maintain and improve our healthcare system. He knows Canadian healthcare is under constant threat not just from right-wing forces, but also from complacency. He told the audience to “speak loudly” about the virtues of universal healthcare, because our public system not only needs to be protected, but urgently needs to be expanded.”
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Rest in Peace Ed Broadbent and may your example in life continue to be source of inspiration to all – Doug Draper, Niagara At Large
P.S. – I can just image Ed up there with old NDP mates from Niagara, Mel Swart and Peter Kormos, sitting around a table, sharing their thoughts on the state of our world today. That would be something to hear.
NIAGARA AT LARGE Encourages You To Join The Conversation By Sharing Your Views On This Post In The Space Following The Bernie Sanders Quote Below.
“A Politician Thinks Of The Next Election. A Leader Thinks Of The Next Generation.” – Bernie Sanders
Niagara At Large 
In my BScN course many required readings on social justice and equity were from the Broadbent Institute. All were very informative and enlightening.
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