1936 - 2024

Ed passed away peacefully in Ottawa, Ontario, on January 11, 2024, at the age of 87.

He leaves behind his partner, Frances Abele; his two children, Paul and Christine; his four grandchildren, Nicole, Gareth, Caitlin and Brett; his two great-grandchildren, Alice and Freya; and many close relatives and dear friends.

Ed was predeceased by his former spouses, Ellen Meiksins Wood (m. 2014-2016) and Lucille Broadbent (m. 1971-2006). He is also survived by ex-wife, Yvonne Yamaoka (m. 1961 div. 1967).

John Edward Broadbent was born in Oshawa, Ontario, on March 21, 1936, to Percy Broadbent, a General Motors worker, and Mary Welsh, a homemaker.

Ed demonstrated an interest in politics and academia at a young age. He earned a degree in philosophy from the University of Toronto, graduating in 1959.

He then pursued post-graduate studies at the London School of Economics and Political Science, before returning to the University of Toronto where he obtained a doctorate in political sciences, graduating in 1966.

Ed 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.

He briefly stepped away from politics to serve as president of the International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development (Rights and Democracy).

He returned to the House of Commons from 2004-2006 when he was elected as a Member of Parliament for Ottawa Centre. In 2011, Ed founded the Broadbent Institute, remaining active as founder and as member of the Board of Directors while teaching political science at several universities in Canada and abroad.

Throughout his seven-decade career, Ed fought for justice and equality, making great strides in the advancement of the rights of disadvantaged persons.

Ed was a firm believer in the politics of joy: a joyful, meaningful life was one filled with music, movies, barbecues, time outdoors, but above all, time with family and friends.

Those close to him will miss his thoughtful conversations, discussing a good book or his recent travels over a glass of red wine.

A state funeral in memory of the Honourable John Edward Broadbent will be held at 4 p.m. on January 28, 2024, at the Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre in Ottawa. Canadians are invited to watch the ceremony live on CBC/Radio-Canada television and web streaming platforms.

Ed's family appreciates expressions of support and asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Broadbent Institute, Amnesty International, and Doctors Without Borders.

Messages of sympathy can be shared until January 29, 2024, in the Government of Canada's online book of condolences at: canada.ca/book-of-condolences, or sent privately to: condolences-condoleances@pch.gc.ca.

They can also be shared at: broadbentlegacy.ca.