How does a social democratic government in British Columbia deliver on principles of justice and equality for its people? From sustainable economic development in the face of the climate crisis, to the pandemic measures, to the housing affordability crisis and public safety, the Broadbent Institute hosted British Columbia Premier David Eby for a fireside chat during the Premier's visit to Ottawa on September 25th, 2023 on Parliament Hill.

The discussion, entitled Progressive Governance in Unprecedented Times, centered on how Canada’s largest NDP government has stepped up to meet these challenges, moderated by former MP for Halifax and Federal Deputy NDP Leader Megan Leslie. You can watch the full discussion on the Broadbent Institute's YouTube Channel.

The first full-length treatment of Ed Broadbent’s ideas and remarkable seven-decade engagement in public life.

Part memoir, part history, part political manifesto, Seeking Social Democracy offers the first full-length treatment of Ed Broadbent’s ideas and remarkable seven-decade engagement in public life. In dialogue with three collaborators from different generations, Broadbent leads readers through a life spent fighting for equality in Parliament and beyond: exploring the formation of his social democratic ideals, his engagement on the international stage, and his relationships with historical figures from Pierre Trudeau and Fidel Castro to Tommy Douglas, René Lévesque, and Willy Brandt. From the formative minority Parliament of 1972–1974 to the contentious national debate over Canada’s constitution to the free trade election of 1988, the book chronicles the life and thought of one of Canada’s most respected political leaders and public intellectuals from his childhood in 1930s Oshawa to the present day. Broadbent’s analysis also points toward the future, offering lessons to a new generation on how principles can inform action and social democracy can look beyond neoliberalism. The result is an engaging, timely, and sweeping analysis of Canadian politics, philosophy, and the nature of democratic leadership.

Join the Broadbent Institute for a number of book launch events this fall, with the co-authors of Seeking Social Democracy. Register below for the event happening near you.

Toronto

 Date: Sunday, October 22nd
 Time: 2:00 PM 
 Location: Beeton Hall, Toronto Reference Library • 789 Yonge Street

Vancouver

 Date: Wednesday, November 1st
 Time: 7:00 PM 
 Location: Allan MacKay Room, Vancouver Central Library • 350 West Georgia St.

Canada has lost an exceptional woman. Monique Bégin was a leader in the cause of gender equality, a leader in bringing universal healthcare to Canada and in general a leader in almost all aspects of concerns about inequality. Beyond these great attributes and the contributions she made to our country with such values, Monique was a joy to be with. She loved life and took immense pleasure in playing jokes on her friends. The Broadbent Institute was honoured to have her as a member of its first board. She remained active on the board for approximately two years. She left behind a legacy of work for social democracy beyond partisan politics. She will be missed by all and in particular by those who had experience working with her.

Ed Broadbent
Founder, Broadbent Institute

Seeking Social Democracy: Seven Decades in the Fight for Equality

By: Ed Broadbent PC, Frances Abele CM, Jonathan Sas & Luke Savage

Part memoir, part history, part political manifesto, Seeking Social Democracy offers the first full-length treatment of Ed Broadbent’s ideas and remarkable seven decade engagement in public life. In dialogue with three collaborators from different generations, Broadbent leads readers through a life spent fighting for equality in Parliament and beyond: exploring the formation of his social democratic ideals, his engagement on the international stage, and his relationships with historical figures from Pierre Trudeau and Fidel Castro to Tommy Douglas, René Lévesque, and Willy Brandt. From the formative minority Parliament of 1972-1974, to the contentious national debate over Canada’s constitution, to the free trade election of 1988, the book chronicles the life and thought of one of Canada’s most respected political leaders and public intellectuals from his childhood in 1930s Oshawa to the present day. Broadbent’s analysis also points toward the future, offering lessons to a new generation on how principles can inform action and social democracy can look beyond neoliberalism. The result is an engaging, timely, and sweeping analysis of Canadian politics, philosophy, and the nature of democratic leadership.

Release Date: October 10, 2023