State funeral

The Government of Canada held a state funeral for the Honourable Ed Broadbent, who passed away on January 11, 2024.

The ceremony was held on January 28, 2024, at the Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre, in Ottawa.

Information on the ceremony

Sunday, January 28, 2024
Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre
Ottawa ON

Invitees to the ceremony included government representatives and dignitaries, members of the public as well as former colleagues, close friends and family members of Mr. Broadbent. At the request of the family, there was no lying-in-state.

Members of the public who wished to attend the ceremony were invited to register through the Broadbent Institute’s web page. Attendance required registration, and invitations were limited based on venue capacity.

The ceremony begun with an Anishinaabe Prayer of Honour given by Algonquin Elder Claudette Commanda. Following this, government representatives, friends and family members of Mr. Broadbent paid tribute to him. Musical interludes were presented by Canadian artists such as internationally renowned conductor and countertenor Daniel Taylor, O.C., who led members of the National Arts Centre Orchestra, cellist Julian Armour, the Choir of the Theatre of Early Music, and concert organist Matthew Larkin in paying tribute to Mr. Broadbent’s musical tastes. Soprano Andriana Chuchman and conductor Dinuk Wijeratne also performed as part of the ceremony.

Read the program

Other commemorative activities

Half-masting of the National Flag of Canada

The Government of Canada proceeded with a half-masting of the National Flag of Canada on all federal buildings and establishments in Canada, including the Peace Tower in Ottawa, from January 15 until sunset on January 17, 2024.

Additionally, the flags on all Government of Canada buildings and establishments in Canada, including the Peace Tower, flew at half-mast from sunrise to sunset on January 28, 2024, the day of the state funeral.

Online book of condolences

Canadians were invited to share their messages of sympathy by signing the online book of condolences.