Skip to content

Former federal NDP leader Ed Broadbent dead at 87

Broadbent, an MP for Oshawa for 21 years, led the federal NDP from 1975 to 1989
20240111140152-65a04747d8282610ba8932d5jpeg
Former NDP leader Ed Broadbent delivers remarks at the start of the Progress summit in Ottawa, Friday April 1, 2016. Broadbent has died at age 87, says the institute he founded. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

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.

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

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 11, 2024.

The Canadian Press


Verified reader

If you would like to apply to become a verified commenter, please fill out this form.