With deep sadness and regret, I wanted to share that our friend and colleague Eddie Goldenberg passed away in Ottawa on July 9, 2026 after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Eddie was a son, husband and uncle, a deeply-respected advisor to many, a cherished friend and colleague. He was also a fiercely proud Canadian.
Eddie Goldenberg loved Canada. He loved all its complexities and all its people and regions – from coast to coast to coast. He was the biggest believer of how fortunate we are to be Canadians.
Originally from Montreal, Eddie travelled Canada throughout his life. He had amazing stories and photos about his fishing and canoeing in the North with his friends. He would return from those trips – even in recent years – with an abundance of fish that he would take great joy in serving to and sharing with his friends. Eddie loved people. The home that he and his wife Caroline shared always had visitors coming and going for dinners and get-togethers. Their warmth, inclusiveness and friendship extended to many and it was astounding. It was amazing to be part of Eddie’s orbit.
Right up until the last few months, Eddie was involved in client work at our firm, as well as his own personal projects. Most recently, he had worked tirelessly with former Governor General David Johnston and renowned cancer researcher Dr. Alan Bernstein to advance complex policy issues related to attracting high potential world-class researchers into Canada’s university eco-system. That the Government of Canada moved ahead with supporting this initiative was very important to Eddie and he was incredibly proud of it – as we were of him for spearheading and championing it with his two colleagues along with many other collaborators.
Upon joining Global in 2024, Eddie could be found most days in his office, working with Global colleagues across the country. He revelled in our work together and he was never shy about offering up his advice on how he thought our firm could develop and grow; this was counsel we were deeply grateful for.
Prior to joining Global, Eddie had built and led the country’s strongest public policy group at Bennett Jones LLP, providing strategic advice and advising on public policy issues for more than 16 years.
Eddie is widely recognized for his distinguished career as a public servant, having worked for decades alongside former Prime Minister Jean Chrétien as his close advisor and culminating in his role as Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister. One of the authors of Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Eddie’s strategic insights, deep understanding of the Canadian political landscape and his earnestness to get the job done earned him his reputation as one of the most influential figures in Canadian public life. For his contributions to Canada, Eddie was appointed to the Order of Canada in 2013 – an honour he was deeply grateful for. He was also awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from McGill University in 2004.
We will miss Eddie’s stories, his insights, his kindness, his smile and his friendship. We extend our deepest sympathies to his wife Caroline, to his family and to his many, many friends.
Randy Pettipas
CEO
For more information please contact:
Sabrina Maddeaux | 437-452-2170 | smaddeaux@globalpublic.com
Evelyn Mills | 437-446-8180 | emills@globalpublic.com