(Ottawa) Canada is “better” today thanks to Ed Broadbent, according to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who is one of many political figures who paid tribute to the former leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP) during his state funeral on Sunday in Ottawa.
Shortly before the ceremony began, a long line of mourners – many wearing dark colors, but punctuated with a hint of orange – stretched outside the Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre.
Meanwhile, Mr. Trudeau took a few moments in front of journalists to highlight the legacy Mr. Broadbent left behind.
PHOTO PATRICK DOYLE, REUTERS
Justin Trudeau
“Ed was an extraordinary Canadian who helped shape modern Canada. He was a man of passion who was rooted in the desire for a better world for all, for social justice, and Canada is better because of his service, in politics and outside of politics,” said the Prime Minister.
For his part, the current leader of the NDP, Jagmeet Singh, welcomed Mr. Broadbent’s commitment when he was at the head of the NDP.
“I met several family members, New Democratic Party activists, and also people who were touched by the life and contributions of Mr. Broadbent,” said Mr. Singh. Our commitment is to continue the fight for a better, equal society and a society where we take care of each other. »
During the ceremony, Mr. Singh struggled to hold back tears as he recounted how Mr. Broadbent served as a mentor to him in his early days as leader of the NDP.
PHOTO BLAIR GABLE, REUTERS
Jagmeet Singh
“He wanted me to do a lot more and a lot faster – it was very New Democratic of him. And he wanted to make sure that we never let the Liberals get away with it, which is also very New Democratic of him,” Mr. Singh said.
He added, holding back tears: “We will never forget him. And Ed, we won’t disappoint you. You are still the one I want to be when I grow up. »
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew, New Democrat, said in his own speech that Broadbent’s departure could mark the end of an era in politics.
“Mr. Broadbent’s smiling and cheerful attitude is an example we should learn from today,” he said.
Governor General Mary Simon, Canadian Ambassador to the United Nations and former NDP Premier of Ontario Bob Rae, British Columbia Premier David Eby and Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante, also attended the funeral.
Mr Broadbent died on January 11 at the age of 87. He was an MP for more than two decades and led the NDP for 14 years in the 1970s and 1980s.
As leader of the NDP, he faced four different prime ministers, including Pierre Elliott Trudeau and Brian Mulroney.
Throughout his career, Ed Broadbent has received numerous distinctions, including several honorary doctorates. He also became a member of the King’s Privy Council in 1982, was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1993 and was promoted to Companion of the Order of Canada in 2001.
Flags at all federal government buildings across the country, including the Peace Tower, were flown at half-mast from sunrise to sunset on Sunday.
State funerals are generally reserved for people who have served as governor general, prime minister or minister. Prominent Canadians can also have a state funeral, if the Prime Minister deems it appropriate.