Former NDP leader Ed Broadbent to have state funeral

Andy Clark Archives The Canadian Press Then leader of the NDP, Ed Broadbent smokes a pipe during a forum organized by the party caucus in Port Coquitlam, in October 1980.

The Canadian Press in Ottawa

11:19 a.m.

• Canada

A state funeral will be held on January 28 to honor the memory of former Member of Parliament and former leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP), Ed Broadbent.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made the announcement in a press release on Monday.

“This state funeral will provide us with the opportunity to pay tribute to his incredible legacy, which will undoubtedly remain an inspiration to generations of Canadians,” he said.

Mr. Broadbent died last week and his political contributions have been highlighted by a number of politicians across the board.

Born in Oshawa, Ontario, Ed Broadbent was the Member of Parliament for a riding in that region for 21 years. He led the NDP for 14 years, from 1975 to 1989.

In the 1974 elections, the NDP had 16 deputies elected. Under the leadership of Ed Broadbent, the party increased this number to 26 in 1979 and 32 in 1980.

He was leader of the NDP against four different prime ministers, two Liberals and two Progressive Conservatives, namely Pierre Elliott Trudeau, Joe Clark, John Turner and Brian Mulroney.

Ed Broadbent returned to the House of Commons for two years, from 2004 to 2006, this time as the MP for Ottawa Centre.

Throughout his career, he has received numerous distinctions, including several honorary doctorates. He also became a member of the King's Privy Council in 1982, was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1993 and was promoted to Companion of the Order of Canada in 2001.