Former NDP leader Ed Broadbent will become the second opposition leader in Canadian history and the first to be given a state funeral without dying in office.
“Canadians are better off because of Ed Broadbent’s selfless service,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a media statement Tuesday. “He was a champion of equality, a champion of justice, and his determination to help others never wavered.”
Prime Minister Trudeau said the state funeral on Jan. 28 will give Canadians an opportunity to pay tribute to Mr. Broadbent’s legacy.
Mr Broadbent served as an MP for 24 years, including 14 years as leader of the federal New Democratic Party.
In a statement, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) called Mr Broadbent “a man beloved by the people” and praised his work in “shaping the country’s political landscape”.
state funeral It is normally limited to current and former governor-generals, prime ministers, and ministers, but a sitting prime minister can also give orders to prominent Canadians.
Mr. Broadbent died on January 11th at the age of 87. The PMO said funeral details will be announced at a later date.
Former Prime Minister Stephen Harper offered Jack Layton’s family a state funeral after the NDP leader died in August 2011 at the age of 61 after a battle with cancer.
Mr. Leighton, who also served as a Toronto City Councilor, was memorialized in both Toronto and Ottawa before receiving a state funeral at Toronto’s Roy Thomson Hall on August 27, 2011.
Watch: In Issue | Ed Broadbent’s Legacy:
This week’s issue: The legacy of former NDP leader Ed Broadbent, who died Thursday at age 87. New documents show the federal government warned two years ago that high levels of immigration could impact housing costs. Plus, Saskatchewan’s carbon tax showdown.
