Phil Edmonston, the charismatic, American-born consumer advocate who clashed with automakers and governments and became the first-ever member of Parliament elected in Quebec under the New Democratic Party banner, has died at his home in Panama. He was 78.
“Phil was best in a team of one,” his wife said in an interview. The two met during a joint appearance on a radio show, where Mr. Edmonston attacked Bell Canada over a rate increase and Ms. Brion defended the company as a public-relations spokeswoman. “He did not take orders easily and he didn’t like to compromise,” she said, describing her late husband as “idealistic, optimistic, energetic and creative.
On returning to the United States, Mr. Edmonston enrolled at Bowie State College , a historically Black institution in Maryland. It was an unusual choice for a white student in 1968 but because of his experience growing up in working-class areas of Washington, Mr. Edmonston had always felt a kinship with African-Americans.
“He was larger than life and usually commanded the room by force of personality,” said George Iny, who began working at the APA as a summer intern in 1982 and ended up succeeding Mr. Edmonston as executive director. “He wasn’t afraid of a rumble. He liked to mix things up. He was excited by the concept of reform.”
Mr. Edmonston was critical of automotive journalists, alleging they were just providing free PR for automakers. “Car of the Year awards are pure baloney,” he wrote. “New car buyers would be better served by a Ouija board’s buying recommendation than a Car of the Year designation put out by any publication.”
Daniel de Brouwer was hired by Mr. Edmonston as his campaign organizer and was immediately charmed. “I fell in love with Phil.” They remained friends until his passing.