News Releases

Broadbent Institute releases new report: “Union Communities, Healthy Communities”

OTTAWA--The right-wing’s regressive anti-union rhetoric and U.S. styled attacks on the labour movement threatens Canada’s prosperity, says a new report by the Broadbent Institute. The report, Union Communities, Healthy Communities debunks the conservative movement’s attacks on labour and makes the case that unions are vital to stable economic growth.

OTTAWA—Launching the next phase of its Equality Project, the Broadbent Institute has released a new discussion paper, “Towards a More Equal Canada”, which analyses the causes of, and proposes solutions to, income inequality. The paper follows the springtime publication of a Broadbent Institute-commissioned Environics poll on income inequality that shows Canadians overwhelmingly support taking action to alleviate our growing inequality problem.

TORONTO—Ed Broadbent is calling on Canadians to take action on income inequality. During a speech last night to a packed room of Economic Inequality.ca supporters in Toronto, the Broadbent Institute founder challenged Canadians to demand leadership from their governments in reducing inequality.

OTTAWA- A new social media initiative provides a forum for Canadians to share how Jack Layton's message of love, hope, and optimism lives on.

Spearheaded by the Broadbent Institute, the Dear Jack initiative is supported by the Layton family and people across the country.

"Jack showed us that being compassionate and loving in politics can and will lead to success. I've seen Canadians across the country embrace Jack's message. I'm excited to see his legacy recognized through DearJack.ca," said Olivia Chow, Layton's widow.

OTTAWA -- To celebrate the continued strength of Jack Layton’s vision in the lives of Canadians, the Broadbent Institute is spearheading a social media campaign.

DearJack.ca, the campaign’s primary platform, will go live tomorrow, July 25, the day Layton stepped down as Leader of the Official Opposition last year; it will culminate on August 22, the anniversary of his passing.

Available for comment: Mike Layton, son of Jack Layton

For more information and to arrange an interview:

Nine out of ten Canadians think reducing income inequality should be a government priority

OTTAWA - Canadians want action on income inequality and they are willing to do their part, suggests a new poll conducted by Environics Research for the Broadbent Institute. Over three-quarters of Canadians (77%) deem income inequality a serious problem and nine out of ten Canadians (89%) think reducing income inequality should be a government priority.

VANCOUVER - Former New Democrat Party leader Ed Broadbent announced the launch of the Broadbent Institute today. The progressive think-tank will focus on developing social democratic ideas for the 21st century and training the next generation of campaigners and activists.

"My friends, it's our task to lead the way with new ideas," said Broadbent. "This Institute is about thought and action - new solutions for problems facing Canadians."