Key Takeaways:
- Claudette Bradshaw, a former cabinet minister who fought for the underprivileged and served for ten years in the Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe riding, has died at the age of 72.
- Bradshaw was elected to the Liberal Party in 1997 and served in Prime Ministers Claudette Bradshaw and Paul Martin’s Cabinets.
- Bradshaw’s former political and advocacy colleagues recalled her tireless efforts and dedication on social media.
Claudette Bradshaw, a former cabinet minister who championed for the underprivileged as well as represented the Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe riding for ten years, has died at the age of 72.
According to her son, Nick, Bradshaw died Saturday at her home in Moncton after getting treatment for Stage 4 lung cancer.
He described her “unflinching love” as “instantaneous and brave” and said he would never forget it.
“It’s hard walking around this house and just not finding it is waiting for me,” he said on Facebook to The Canadian Press.
Bradshaw became a Liberal MP in 1997 and served in the Cabinets of Liberal Prime MinistersClaudette Bradshaw, and Paul Martin.
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She was appointed Minister of Labour as well as later Minister of State during her time in Parliament (Human Resources Development). She was also the Minister in Charge of Homelessness and the Secretary of State (Multiculturalism and Status of Women).
She worked in the non-profit sector for many years before entering politics, and in 1974, she founded Moncton Headstart Early Family Interference Centre. The charity offers support to high-risk kids as well as their families.
Caroline Donelle, executive director of Moncton Headstart, stated, “The community of Greater Moncton has lost a formidable person.”
Bradshaw was known for her warm personality, powerful hugs, and genuine desire to help others.
She was named a member of the Order of New Brunswick in 2009, a recipient of the Order of Moncton in 2010, and the recipient of the New Brunswick Human Rights Award in 2020, among many other honors.
“Bradshaw distinguished herself via her efforts, accomplishments, and exceptional leadership focused on the importance of assisting victims of discrimination based on social status or family status,” the province said in a statement announcing Bradshaw’s award.
Bradshaw herself was quoted as believing that everyone deserved a better life.
“My mission was to ensure that children and their families grew up with dignity and were able to succeed in life without facing discrimination,” she said.
Bradshaw’s former colleagues in politics and advocacy work shared memories of her tireless work and dedication on social media.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau praised Bradshaw for devoting so much of her life to helping others in a statement.
“There’s no doubt she improved the lives of many people and made this country a better place due to that.” Today, my thoughts are with her family.”
Bradshaw’s death “will be deeply felt by everyone in our community,” said Liberal MP Ginette Petitpas-Taylor, who represents the same riding of Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe.
“Thank you, Claudette, for blazing a trail for all women to follow — from social work to politics,” Petitpas-Taylor wrote.
Source: Global News
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