Early afternoon Thursday, the Broadbent Institute put out a statement that their founder, former long-time NDP leader Ed Broadbent, had passed away at 87.
With this in mind, The Canadian Press has a few stats about his life, as well as quotes from prominent Canadians reacting to his passing, while CBC has some photos of his career from their archives.
— Governor General of Canada (@GGCanada) January 12, 2024
To the Broadbent family, to his friends, and to all of the Canadians who are mourning the passing of this visionary leader: I’m keeping you in my thoughts, and I’m sending you my deepest condolences.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) January 11, 2024
My condolences to the family and friends of Ed Broadbent.
Canada owes a great deal to the selfless dedication of patriotic Canadians from all walks of life.
— Pierre Poilievre (@PierrePoilievre) January 11, 2024
He was a mentor and a friend – a titan of social democracy – who was connected in a deep way to the struggles of working-class Canadians.
He never lost sight of who we fight for and taught me to turn political principle into action.
It hurts to lose him.
Rest In Power Ed. pic.twitter.com/UF6NkRogSk
— Jagmeet Singh (@theJagmeetSingh) January 11, 2024
Ukraine Dispatch:
Speaking in Estonia, president Volodymyr Zelenskyy reiterated the point that any ceasefire will only benefit Russia and not Ukraine. Ukraine’s defence minister said that the hotly contested mobilisation bill has been withdrawn and that a new one is ready to be tabled in their parliament.
https://twitter.com/zelenskyyua/status/1745537331270930924
⚡Defense Ministry approves second design of body armor for female soldiers.
A second type of bulletproof vest specifically designed for women has been approved after undergoing testing, Ukraine's Defense Ministry announced on Jan. 11.https://t.co/y8KHUOF6tp
— The Kyiv Independent (@KyivIndependent) January 11, 2024
Good reads:
- Chrystia Freeland made the point that politicians have no say in police operations, which was all she would say about the detention of the Rebel Media personality.
- Documents show the government was warned that high immigration levels are making housing more expensive (never mind the effect of our labour shortages).
- Canada is one of the countries supporting US and UK air strikes against Houthi positions that are attacking vessels on the Red Sea.
- Some Toronto-area synagogues say they have been turned down for federal security upgrade funding without explanation.
- Curiously, Michael Kovrig wrote a letter regarding convicted RCMP spy Cameron Ortis’ sentencing, counselling a measure of leniency (which is odd!)
- A recent consultation of senior civil servants on values and ethics has produced a report that doesn’t really provide any advice on a path forward.
- A Liberal MP and Conservative senator went to Bangladesh as unsanctioned elections observers and declared the vote fine, unlike the Canadian government.
- Here is a more in-depth look at the problems related to the Private Member’s Bill to provide an alternative to the Oath to the King.
- The veterans affairs committee is looking for more documents related to the government’s decision to change the Afghanistan war monument.
- The RCMP have been investigating threats made against backbench Liberal MP Wilson Miao from a former Army reservist.
- In spite of their exaggerated concern for a Rebel media personality being detained, the Conservatives have said nothing about a journalist being arrested in Edmonton.
- Body-worn cameras are finally being issued to police in British Columbia.
Odds and Ends:
For National Magazine, I delved into the sweeping changes to competition law made over the past year—and still being made—which could have sweeping impacts.
Want more Routine Proceedings? Become a patron and get exclusive new content.