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Saturday January 13, 2024

Ed Broadbent, though not a Prime Minister, left an indelible mark as a progressive champion, steering the New Democratic Party for over two decades with a genuine commitment to justice and the well-being of average Canadians.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday January 13, 2024

Ed Broadbent: A Progressive Trailblazer and Unseen Prime Minister

March 20, 2012

In the intricate narrative of Canadian politics, Ed Broadbent emerges as a consequential figure, often referred to as one of the greatest Prime Ministers Canada never had. His leadership, spanning over two decades at the helm of the New Democratic Party (NDP), reshaped the political landscape, leaving an enduring legacy that transcends the traditional boundaries of partisan lines.

While Ed Broadbent may not have ascended to the office of Prime Minister, his influence on Canadian politics is immeasurable. A stalwart champion of progressive ideals, Broadbent’s leadership was characterized by a commitment to justice, equality, and the welfare of everyday Canadians. His moniker, “Honest Ed,” was not merely a political branding but a reflection of a leader whose integrity and genuine concern for the average citizen set him apart.

Opinion: Ed Broadbent fought for the little guy against the fat cats  

August 28, 1999

Born in the union-oriented, blue-collar city of Oshawa, Broadbent’s political journey was informed by the struggles and aspirations of working-class Canadians. Unlike some political leaders who speak of equality from a distance, Broadbent lived it. His dedication to fighting for justice and equality, both within Canada and globally, underscored his unwavering principles.

Broadbent’s leadership of the NDP marked a transformative era for the party. Moving it further to the left, he played a pivotal role in establishing the NDP as a viable alternative for voters disillusioned by the traditional Liberal and Conservative options. His impact was not merely political; it was a testament to his ability to connect with Canadians from diverse backgrounds, understanding and articulating their hopes and concerns.

The 1984 election showcased Broadbent’s political prowess, with the NDP winning a historic number of seats. His popularity in the mid-1980s, consistently ahead of both Liberal Leader John Turner and Prime Minister Brian Mulroney in polls, reflected the trust Canadians placed in his vision for a fairer and more compassionate Canada.

Obituary: Former NDP leader Ed Broadbent dead at 87  

December 20, 2003

Broadbent’s resignation in 1989 marked not an exit from public life but a transition. In his emotional farewell speech, he urged the NDP to find a new leader to “take us the next step towards building that decent, exciting, and compassionate Canada we all believe in.” His post-political career was marked by a return to politics in 2004, involvement in coalition negotiations in 2008, and the establishment of the Broadbent Institute—a testament to his enduring commitment to social democracy.

As we reflect on Ed Broadbent’s legacy, we recognize him not merely as a champion of the average Canadian but as a visionary in the pantheon of Progressive Canadians. His name stands alongside other luminaries who have shaped the course of Canadian politics, influencing the nation’s journey toward a more just, compassionate, and inclusive society. Though he may not have worn the title of Prime Minister, Ed Broadbent’s impact on the progressive ideals that define Canada remains both tangible and enduring. (AI)

 

Wednesday March 2016

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator Ð Wednesday March 2016 Rob Ford, former Toronto mayor, dead at 46 Rob Ford, the Toronto city councillor who became the world's most famous mayor during a wild, scandal-filled term, is dead at age 46. The married father of two young children died after 18 months of treatment for a rare and aggressive cancer first diagnosed in the midst of his 2014 bid to be re-elected mayor. Ford would have turned 47 on May 28. Ford underwent surgery at Mount Sinai Hospital in May 2015, what was then considered his last chance to survive pleomorphic liposarcoma. Though the surgery was hailed as a success, the discovery of two new tumours months later merited repeated rounds of chemotherapy that kept him away from the council chamber and his city hall office. In recent weeks, Ford entered a clinical trial aimed at finding a personalized treatment for his cancer. But the process, which involves implanting a tumour in mice and testing different combinations of drugs, takes four months to complete. As his health worsened, Ford's family set up a website for well-wishers to leave messages of support. "May you have a speedy and successful recovery. Be strong," said one post left Monday. "We need you as Mayor in 2018 to save Toronto." His earlier diagnosis forced Ford to abandon his re-election hopes in September 2014, even as polls suggested he remained a contender. He then coasted to victory in Ward 2 Etobicoke North, which he represented for a decade before his 2010 mayoral triumph. Last year, after learning multiple rounds of chemotherapy and radiation had shrunk the original tumour enough to allow surgery, a relieved-looking Ford told reporters: "I'm just lucky to be alive today, and I'm just lucky to get another chance at life . . . At least I have a chance." He also thanked people "from all over the world" who had inundated him with hopeful messages. The rumpled populist spent the months following surgery as he had

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday March 2016

Rob Ford, former Toronto mayor, dead at 46

Rob Ford, the Toronto city councillor who became the world’s most famous mayor during a wild, scandal-filled term, is dead at age 46.

The married father of two young children died after 18 months of treatment for a rare and aggressive cancer first diagnosed in the midst of his 2014 bid to be re-elected mayor. Ford would have turned 47 on May 28.

Ford underwent surgery at Mount Sinai Hospital in May 2015, what was then considered his last chance to survive pleomorphic liposarcoma.

 

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Though the surgery was hailed as a success, the discovery of two new tumours months later merited repeated rounds of chemotherapy that kept him away from the council chamber and his city hall office.

In recent weeks, Ford entered a clinical trial aimed at finding a personalized treatment for his cancer. But the process, which involves implanting a tumour in mice and testing different combinations of drugs, takes four months to complete.

As his health worsened, Ford’s family set up a website for well-wishers to leave messages of support.

“May you have a speedy and successful recovery. Be strong,” said one post left Monday. “We need you as Mayor in 2018 to save Toronto.”

His earlier diagnosis forced Ford to abandon his re-election hopes in September 2014, even as polls suggested he remained a contender. He then coasted to victory in Ward 2 Etobicoke North, which he represented for a decade before his 2010 mayoral triumph.

Last year, after learning multiple rounds of chemotherapy and radiation had shrunk the original tumour enough to allow surgery, a relieved-looking Ford told reporters: “I’m just lucky to be alive today, and I’m just lucky to get another chance at life . . . At least I have a chance.”

He also thanked people “from all over the world” who had inundated him with hopeful messages.

The rumpled populist spent the months following surgery as he had the previous 15 years — immersed in politics. He attacked Mayor John Tory’s positions at city hall, gathering ammunition for a declared 2018 mayoral comeback. (Continued: Hamilton Spectator)

 

Wednesday January 14, 2004

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator Ð Wednesday January 14, 2004 Peter MacKay, Leader No More Former Tory leader Peter MacKay is taking a pass on the Conservative Party leadership race, but isn't bowing out of politics. MacKay said he made his decision in "the last 24 hours" and called it the toughest of his political career. "While my heart said 'go,' my head said 'no,' " he said. However, he added he will seek the nomination for his Nova Scotia riding in the next federal election. MacKay said he's not yet prepared to throw his support behind a leadership candidate. MacKay, Peter , 1966Ð, Canadian politician, b. New Glasgow, N.S. A lawyer who briefly worked (1992Ð93) in Germany, MacKay returned to his native Nova Scotia in 1993 and became a crown attorney. Elected to the federal parliament as a Progressive Conservative in 1997, he became Tory House leader, a position he held until 2002, when he resigned to run for the party leadership. In 2003, the youthful MacKay was chosen to succeed Joe Clark as leader of the Progressive Conservative party, winning in part because he agreed not to seek a merger with the Canadian Alliance. A few months later, however, he led his party into a merger with the Alliance to form the Conservative party of Canada, and subsequently became the new party's deputy leader. (Source: Hamilton Spectator) Canada, Peter Mackay, Progressive Conservative, leader, leadership, Audrey McLaughlin, Alexa McDonough, Michel Gauthier, Stockwell Day, Lucien Bouchard, pantheon, opposition

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday January 14, 2004

Peter MacKay, Leader No More

Former Tory leader Peter MacKay is taking a pass on the Conservative Party leadership race, but isn’t bowing out of politics. MacKay said he made his decision in “the last 24 hours” and called it the toughest of his political career. “While my heart said ‘go,’ my head said ‘no,’ ” he said. However, he added he will seek the nomination for his Nova Scotia riding in the next federal election. MacKay said he’s not yet prepared to throw his support behind a leadership candidate.

MacKay, Peter , 1966–, Canadian politician, b. New Glasgow, N.S. A lawyer who briefly worked (1992–93) in Germany, MacKay returned to his native Nova Scotia in 1993 and became a crown attorney. Elected to the federal parliament as a Progressive Conservative in 1997, he became Tory House leader, a position he held until 2002, when he resigned to run for the party leadership. In 2003, the youthful MacKay was chosen to succeed Joe Clark as leader of the Progressive Conservative party, winning in part because he agreed not to seek a merger with the Canadian Alliance. A few months later, however, he led his party into a merger with the Alliance to form the Conservative party of Canada, and subsequently became the new party’s deputy leader. (Source: Hamilton Spectator)