Memorial service for former provincial NDP leader Michael Cassidy to be held Saturday

Michael Cassidy, former Ottawa MP and former leader of the Ontario NDP, passed away in November at the age of 88. (Courtesy: Kim Menard)

Friends and family members of the former leader of the Ontario NDP, Michael Cassidy, will be gathering in his memory on Saturday, following his passing in November at the age of 88.

Cassidy represented Ottawa Centre as a Member of Provincial Parliament from 1971 to 1984, including as leader of the Ontario NDP from 1978 to 1982. He then represented the riding on the federal level as a Member of Parliament from 1984 to 1988.

Cassidy got his start in politics as an alderman for the City of Ottawa in 1970. He also served on the Lanark Highlands Township Council from 2003 to 2006.

In a statement, the Ontario NDP said Cassidy was an “early and consistent champion for LGBTQ rights,” and helped institute major social reforms during his time in office, including rent control laws, the establishment of Community Health Centres and workers’ protections.

“Michael Cassidy understood what this work is really about: improving the lives of Ontario’s working people. From all of us at the Ontario NDP, we send our condolences to his family, friends, and all who are mourning his loss,” the Ontario NDP wrote.

Cassidy passed away peacefully on Nov. 9, 2025.

“Michael embodied the spirit of resilience that was the essence of the Clan motto throughout his life, always confident, believing he could surmount any challenge,” Cassidy’s family wrote in an obituary.

“He lived his life filled with vigour and engagement with equal dedication to the duties he took on in his political and private lives. He never backed away from good trouble.”

A celebration of life is being held at the First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa on Cleary Avenue on Saturday at 11 a.m. Catherine McKenney, the NDP Member of Provincial Parliament representing Ottawa Centre, will be the keynote speaker for the service.

The City of Ottawa says flags at Ottawa City Hall will be lowered to half-mast from sunrise to sunset on Saturday in Cassidy’s honour.

• Sign up now for daily CTV News Ottawa newsletters
• The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App