Ed Broadbent state funeral announced for Jan. 28 in Ottawa

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A state funeral will be held for former federal NDP leader Ed Broadbent on Jan. 28 in Ottawa, the Prime Minister’s Office announced Monday.

Mr. Broadbent died Jan. 11 at the age of 87.

In a statement, the PMO said further details on the funeral will be released in due course.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a statement that Canada is better off thanks to Mr. Broadbent’s “selfless service.”

“An advocate for equality and a champion for justice, his commitment to helping others never wavered. This state funeral will provide an opportunity to pay tribute to his incredible legacy – one that will, no doubt, continue to inspire generations of Canadians,” Mr. Trudeau said.

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Mr. Broadbent was federal NDP leader for 14 years, from 1975 to 1989. During that time, he led the party through four elections. In 2011, he founded the Broadbent Institute policy think tank.

In a statement, the Broadbent Institute said it and Mr. Broadbent’s family welcome the announcement of a state funeral.

“This honour stands as a profound testament to Ed Broadbent’s enduring contributions and his unwavering dedication to the well-being of ordinary Canadians,” it said.

State funerals are held to honour notable Canadians such as former governors-general, prime ministers and cabinet ministers, though the Prime Minister can offer a state funeral for any eminent Canadian.

One was held in 2020 for former prime minister John Turner, and in 2014 for former finance minister Jim Flaherty. A national commemorative ceremony was held in 2022 for Queen Elizabeth II.

In addition, Mr. Trudeau’s father, former prime minister Pierre Trudeau, received a state funeral in 2000.