Ed Broadbent facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ed Broadbent
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Broadbent in 2019
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| Leader of the New Democratic Party | |
| In office July 7, 1975 – December 5, 1989 |
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| Preceded by | David Lewis |
| Succeeded by | Audrey McLaughlin |
| Member of Parliament for Ottawa Centre |
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| In office June 28, 2004 – January 23, 2006 |
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| Preceded by | Mac Harb |
| Succeeded by | Paul Dewar |
| Member of Parliament for Oshawa Oshawa—Whitby (1968–1979) |
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| In office June 25, 1968 – February 1, 1990 |
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| Preceded by | Michael Starr |
| Succeeded by | Mike Breaugh |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
John Edward Broadbent
March 21, 1936 Oshawa, Ontario, Canada |
| Died | January 11, 2024 (Age 87) |
| Political party | New Democratic |
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| Residences | Ottawa, Ontario, Canada |
| Alma mater | Trinity College, Toronto |
| Profession | politician and professor |
John Edward "Ed" Broadbent (March 21, 1936 – January 11, 2024) was a well-known Canadian politician and professor. He was a leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP) for many years. The NDP is a political party in Canada that believes in social democracy. This means they support ideas like helping everyone have a fair chance and protecting the environment. After leading the party, Ed Broadbent also returned to Parliament as a Member of Parliament for a short time. He was also involved in creating the Broadbent Institute, which is a group that studies and promotes ideas about social fairness.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Ed Broadbent was born in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. His father, Percy, worked at General Motors, and his mother, Mary, was a homemaker.
In 1961, he married Yvonne Yamaoka. Her family was held in camps by the government during World War II. Ed Broadbent spoke about this unfair treatment in Parliament later on.
He studied at the University of Toronto and earned a special degree called a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in political science in 1966. Political science is the study of how governments work and how people make decisions in society. He also worked as a professor at Queen's University, Canada.
Ed Broadbent married Lucille Munroe in 1971. She passed away in 2006. Later, in 2014, he married Ellen Meiksins Wood, who was also a professor and writer. She passed away in 2016.
Political Career
Before becoming a politician, Ed Broadbent was a university professor. In 1968, he was elected to the Canadian House of Commons. This is where elected representatives from across Canada meet to make laws. He represented the area of Oshawa—Whitby.
In 1975, Ed Broadbent became the leader of the New Democratic Party. He led the party through four federal elections.
Leading the NDP (1975–1989)
When he first became leader, some people found his speeches a bit complicated. But soon, he became known as an honest and friendly politician. He was one of the first Canadian leaders to visit many workplaces to meet people.
Elections in 1979 and 1980
In the 1979 election, the NDP gained more seats in Parliament, going from 17 to 26. Just nine months later, in the 1980 election, the NDP gained even more support, winning 32 seats.
The 1984 Election
In the 1984 election, the NDP won 30 seats. At one point, polls showed that Ed Broadbent was the most popular political leader in Canada. This was the first time the NDP had ever been in first place in public opinion polls.
The 1988 Election
In the 1988 election, the NDP won 43 seats. This was a record for the party that lasted until 2011. In 2011, the NDP won 103 seats, and Jack Layton became the leader of the opposition.
Ed Broadbent also served as a vice-president of the Socialist International from 1979 to 1989. This is an organization of social democratic, socialist, and labour parties from around the world.
After leading the NDP for 14 and a half years, Ed Broadbent stepped down in 1989. Audrey McLaughlin became the new leader.
Member of Parliament (2004–2006)
In 2004, Ed Broadbent decided to return to politics. He ran for Parliament again in Ottawa Centre, where he lived. He won the election.
He was a critic for important topics like democracy and child poverty. On May 4, 2005, he announced that he would not run for re-election in 2006. He wanted to spend more time with his wife, Lucille, who was ill. She passed away in November 2006.
After Politics
After Ed Broadbent left politics, the NDP's popularity went down for a while. It wasn't until Jack Layton became leader in 2003 that the party became very popular again.
From 1990 to 1996, Ed Broadbent was a director at the International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development. In 1993, he was given the Order of Canada, which is one of the highest honours a Canadian can receive. He was promoted to a higher level of the Order in 2001.
In 2008, Ed Broadbent and former Prime Minister Jean Chrétien worked together. They tried to create an agreement between the Liberal Party and the New Democratic Party. This was an effort to replace the government of Prime Minister Stephen Harper. However, these talks did not lead to a new government.
On June 17, 2011, he announced the creation of the Broadbent Institute. This institute explores ideas about social democracy and fairness. It helps academics and trains activists. It works independently from the New Democratic Party.
In 2017, Ed Broadbent supported a campaign to create a United Nations Parliamentary Assembly. This group wants to make the United Nations more democratic and accountable.
In 2023, he published a book called Seeking Social Democracy. It shares his thoughts on his life and his work for equality.
Books
- The Liberal Rip–off: Trudeauism Versus the Politics of Equality, New Press 1970.
- Democratic Equality: What Went Wrong? (as editor), University of Toronto Press 2001.
- Seeking Social Democracy: Seven Decades in the Fight for Equality, with Frances Abele, Jonathan Sas, and Luke Savage, ECW Press 2023.
Images for kids
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Broadbent and Jack Layton at a 2008 election rally in Toronto
