UFCW 1006A mourns the passing of former NDP leader Ed Broadbent, who was a champion for workers across Canada and a relentless advocate for justice and fairness.
1006A represents members working at the Broadbent Institute, a progressive institute which was founded by Ed in 2011.
“Ed Broadbent was a visionary leader who dedicated his life to making life better for all Canadians from coast to coast,” said President Wayne Hanley. “We stand in solidarity with our members as we honour his legacy and continue our work to advocate for justice and fairness for all, from the workplace to Parliament Hill.”
Ed was elected to Parliament in 1968 and served as an MP for 21 years. From 1975 to 1989, Ed served as the leader of the federal NDP.
“He tirelessly advocated for all people, especially those on the margins of society,” the Broadbent Institute said in a statement.
In Ottawa, Ed focused on Indigenous and economic rights, women’s equality, child poverty, ethics in government, and tax equality. Ed also taught at several universities. He was appointed as a Member of the Privy Council in 1982, Officer of the Order of Canada in 1993, and Companion of the Order of Canada in 2002.
Ed leaves behind an incredible legacy, through the Broadbent Institute, which is Canada’s leading progressive policy and training organization. The institute is dedicated to “realizing the promise of Canada as a diverse, just and inclusive society.” We also encourage members to read Press Progress, a leading independent news organization that was founded by the Broadbent Institute.
In a book, Ed once described his vision as follows: “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.”
To learn more about Ed’s legacy and the important work of the Broadbent Institute, please click here.
