New Report by the Broadbent Institute finds that 80% of BC Lower Mainland and Greater Toronto & Hamilton Area Residents Say Government Should Return to Building Non-Market Housing. TORONTO - A new report published by the Broadbent Institute entitled, “Dreams and Realities on the Home Front: Canadians’ Call for Government Action on Housing Affordability” found that a strong majority of surveyed residents of BC’s lower mainland and the GTHA want to see their government return to building non-market housing. The report, which was co-published with Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Canada, looks ..read more

Statement on Passing of Rhys Kesselman The Broadbent Institute is heartbroken to learn of the passing of Broadbent Institute Policy Fellow, Professor Rhys Kesselman, on Sunday, February 25th, following a short illness. A major Canadian public thinker on taxation policy, Dr. Kesselman used his expertise to demonstrate how public finance can be used for social good. With the Broadbent Institute, he authored reports that examined the shortcomings of Tax-Free Savings Accounts during their implementation by the Stephen Harper government, and most recently spoke to the Institute on why capital gain ..read more

The Broadbent Institute is thrilled to announce the shortlists for this year's Jack Layton Progress Prize and Charles Taylor Prize for Excellence in Policy Research. The winners will be announced at the 2024 Progress Summit, taking place April 10 - 12 in Ottawa. The 2024 Charles Taylor Prize for Excellence in Policy Research shortlist Martine August, Assistant Professor in the School of Planning at the University of Waterloo. Her research focuses on the political economy of housing and the pursuit of urban social justice, exploring themes related to gentrification, displacement, co ..read more

TIBOR KOLLEY/THE GLOBE AND MAIL The Broadbent Institute is saddened to learn of the passing of the Right Honourable former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney. Together, Brian Mulroney and Ed Broadbent established the International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development in 1988 to "encourage and support the universal values of human rights and the promotion of democratic institutions and practices around the world." Mulroney appointed Broadbent as Rights and Democracy’s first president, which enabled Ed to build solidarity and social democracy globally. Ed felt a strong respect for Prim ..read more

The following are remarks delivered by Jen Hassum, Executive Director of the Broadbent Institute, welcoming guests to the 2023 Progress Gala held in Toronto, Ontario on November 16, 2023. Hi everyone, welcome to the Broadbent Institute’s Progress Gala. My name is Jen Hassum and I’m the Broadbent Institute’s Executive Director. For those who are new to us, the Broadbent Institute is the space between the labour movement, academia, community organizing, and government. We are social democrats who do training, policy and media. Bonjour à toutes et à tous, bienvenue au gala Progress de l'Institut ..read more

A fund dedicated to strengthening democracy in Canada is being launched today in honour of Ed Broadbent. OTTAWA -- As the famous Canadian political philosopher, and Broadbent’s lifelong friend, Charles Taylor, put it, “Ed always stood for decency and a belief that Canada could provide a better life for all, one based on mutual respect.” In his final speech to Parliament, Ed underlined that we must focus on what brings us together across partisan division: “On 75% of the issues we’re on the same side… we tend to think that those 25% of issues that divide us are the only things that matter ..read more

On Sunday, January 28, the Government of Canada will host a state funeral to honour Ed Broadbent. This event is not only a tribute to the life of Ed Broadbent but also a heartfelt opportunity for those who admired him to come together, share memories, and celebrate a life that exemplified true dedication and public service. If you are interested in attending the state funeral, please fill out the form to register below. Please Note: Your registration is required to attend this event. However, capacity within the venue will be limited. Register now before the space is filled to be eligible to ..read more

The Broadbent Institute and Broadbent family welcome the announcement by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that a state funeral will be held for Ed Broadbent, who passed away on January 11, 2024. This honour stands as a profound testament to Ed Broadbent’s enduring contributions and his unwavering dedication to the well-being of ordinary Canadians. Ed Broadbent was a respected academic and Member of Parliament, Leader of the New Democratic Party of Canada, the first President of the International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development, and he was honoured as a Companion of the Order o ..read more

It is with the heaviest of hearts that the Broadbent Institute announces the passing of our founder, Ed Broadbent.  Our country has lost a fierce champion for ordinary Canadians, an intellectual who strongly believed in building a good society. Ed devoted decades of his life to fighting for justice and equality in Canada and around the world. As a Member of Parliament, leader of the New Democratic Party, president of Rights & Democracy and beyond, he tirelessly advocated for all people, especially those on the margins of society.  A steadfast advocate for equal rights, Ed played ..read more

  Greetings Friends, I hope this letter finds you in good health and spirits. As we usher in the holiday season and look forward to a new year, it's good to reflect upon our guiding principles and the pressing challenges that urgently beckon our collective action. The Broadbent Institute’s story began over a decade ago, rooted in a singular vision of building a more just and equitable Canada. A vision where democracy, equality, and sustainability aren’t just words, but lived realities. Today, as we stand at the cusp of 2024, Canada faces significant challenges. A worsening affordability ..read more