The Canada Tibet Committee (CTC) extends its heartfelt sympathies to the family and friends of Hon. Ed Broadbent who passed away this week at age 87. Mr. Broadbent will be remembered by CTC members as a warm and sincere friend of the Tibetan cause.
Broadbent, who was the elected leader of Canada’s New Democratic Party from 1975 to 1989, was a dedicated defender of human rights, not only in Canada but in countries around the world. He stood beside His Holiness the Dalai Lama during his first visit to Ottawa in September 1990 when other politicians declined, worried they might offend China.
Despite considerable pressure not to, Broadbent hosted the inauguration of Ottawa’s Human Rights Monument alongside the Dalai Lama. On that auspicious occasion Broadbent said: “As political leader of the noble Tibetan people, no one better represents the cause of human rights than the Dalai Lama.”
Later, as president of the International Centre for Human Rights & Democratic Development (Rights & Democracy), Broadbent extended his personal invitation to the Dalai Lama to join him on a mission of Nobel Laureates to Burma (Myanmar) to advocate the release of Aung San Suu Kyi. He also took the bold decision to host the Dalai Lama as keynote speaker at a policy seminar organized in Ottawa explicitly for Chinese human rights defenders.
As president of Rights & Democracy, Broadbent approved grants supporting the very first internet connection for the Central Tibetan Administration, as well as funds for diplomacy training for young Tibetan women in the refugee community. These contributions have brought lasting benefits to the Tibetan diaspora.
It has always been important – then as now – to have prominent and respected public figures voice their support for the Tibetan cause. In this respect, the CTC has been able to count on the kindness, interest, and generosity of Ed Broadbent. We thank him for standing with Tibet throughout the years.
That which is form is emptiness, that which is emptiness form (Tibetan prayer)