Leo Broderick (left) is pictured with Leticia Adair and Robert Chernomas at the G8/G20 protests in Toronto in 2010.
Leo Broderick, who recently finished his term as Chairperson and Board Member for the Council of Canadians, was recently selected as one of three recipients for the Order of P.E.I.
Broderick received the honour because of “his work as a passionate activist for social and environmental justice, with a deep understanding of global and local issues,” a news release from the Office of the Lieutenant Governor stated. “In addition to his distinguished career as an educator, he consistently proves how ordinary citizens can have an influence to make the world a safer, fairer place.”
Broderick has been an active member of the Council of Canadians Charlottetown Chapter in P.E.I. where he has made a difference in many social justice fights, including the fight for better public health care, a national pharmacare program, fair trade agreements and protecting the environment and more. He served 25 years on the Council of Canadians Board of Directors in roles of Vice Chairperson and Chairperson.
Maude Barlow, Honorary Chairperson of the Council of Canadians, extended congratulations on behalf of the entire organization. “We are very proud that Leo Broderick has been recognized with this prestigious award. Leo has fought tirelessly for social and environmental justice all his life, at home in PEI, across Canada and internationally,” she said. “It is so important that this kind of commitment to a vision of a more just country and world has been honoured. We are proud that Leo has been a key member of the Council family for many years and are happy to share in this exciting announcement.”
During his career as an educator, Broderick spent most of his professional teaching career at Colonel Gray Senior High School and worked with the P.E.I. Teachers’ Federation, serving as its vice-president. He was also the first P.E.I. teacher to serve on the Canadian Teachers’ Federation national executive.
According to the CBC, the Order of P.E.I. was created in 1996 as a way to “recognize Islanders who have shown individual excellence or outstanding leadership in their community and in their profession.” It is awarded annually following a public nomination process, with recipients being selected by an independent nine-person advisory council each year.
Broderick will receive the Order at a ceremony in September at Government House in Charlottetown.
