Former cabinet minister Claudette Bradshaw, who championed for the underprivileged and represented the riding of Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe for 10 years, has died at the age of 72.
Her son, Nick, confirmed Bradshaw died Saturday at her home in Moncton after receiving treatments for Stage 4 lung cancer.
He said he will always remember her “unflinching love,” which he described as “instantaneous and brave.”
“(It’s) hard walking in this house and not finding it there waiting for me,” he told The Canadian Press via Facebook.
Bradshaw was first elected as a Liberal MP in 1997 and served in the cabinets of Liberal prime ministers Jean Chretien and Paul Martin.
During her time in Parliament, she was appointed Minister of Labour and later Minister of State (Human Resources Development). She also served as Minister responsible for Homelessness, and Secretary of State (Multiculturalism and Status of Women).
Prior to entering politics, she worked for years in the non-profit sector and founded Moncton Headstart Early Family Intervention Centre in 1974. The charity offers support to high-risk children and their families.
“The community of Greater Moncton has lost a formidable person,” said Caroline Donelle, the executive director of Moncton Headstart.
“She was a larger than life personality, that’s for sure. And her passion about supporting the impoverished and the vulnerable in our society really shows through so strongly.”
Bradshaw was widely known for her warmth, her powerful hugs and a genuine passion for helping others.
Among her numerous accolades, she was appointed a member of the Order of New Brunswick in 2009, a recipient of the Order of Moncton in 2010 and awarded the New Brunswick Human Rights Award in 2020.
“Bradshaw distinguished herself through her efforts, achievements, and exceptional leadership focused on the importance of helping the victims of discrimination based on social status or family status,” the province wrote in a news release while announcing Bradshaw’s award.
Bradshaw herself was quoted as saying she believed everyone had the right to a better life.
“My mission was for children and their families to grow up with dignity and succeed in life without experiencing discrimination,” she said.
“I want to share that recognition with everyone who supported me throughout those years and who believed, as I did, that we all have the right to a better life.”
On social media, Bradshaw’s past colleagues in politics and advocacy work shared memories of her tireless work and dedication.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a statement praising Bradshaw for dedicating so much of her life to helping others.
“Because of that, there’s no doubt she changed the lives of many and made this country a better place. My thoughts are with her loved ones today.”
Liberal MP Ginette Petitpas-Taylor, who represents the same riding of Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe, said the loss of Bradshaw “will be deeply felt by everyone in our community.”
“Thank you Claudette for blazing a path — from social work to politics — for all women to follow,” Petitpas-Taylor wrote on Twitter.
— With a file from Nathalie Sturgeon and The Canadian Press
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