Ed Broadbent will be only the second opposition leader in Canadian history to receive a state funeral; and first who did not pass away while in office.

Four days after the former federal NDP leader died, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s announced there will be a state funeral January 28, to give Canadian a chance to pay tribute Broadbent’s legacy.

 

 

 

”An advocate for equality and a champion for justice, his commitment to helping others never wavered,” Trudeau said in a statement.

”Canada is better off because of Ed Broadbent’s selfless service.”

The prime minister’s statement goes on to call the Oshawa-born MP of 24-years; half as party leader, a ”much-loved national figure” who was being honoured for ”shaping the country’s political landscape.”

State funerals are usually limited to current and former governors general, prime ministers and cabinet minister but a sitting prime minister can order one for any eminent Canadian.

Former prime minister Stephen Harper offered Jack Layton’s family a state funeral after the NDP leader passed away from cancer at the age of 61 in the summer of 2011.