Career
Born in Portuguese Colborne, Ontario, Burghardt became one of the first on-air personalities on CHCH-television in Hamilton, Ontario. He moved to London"s CFPL-television in 1971 and became that station"s news anchor. He remained at CFPL until 1980, apart from a break in 1972 to seek a seat in federal Parliament.
His first attempt to gain a seat in the Canadian House of Commons was unsuccessful.
He campaigned as the Liberal Party candidate in the Hamilton West electoral district during the 1972 federal election. His second attempt was in a 1981 by-election in the London West electoral district.
He served in the remainder of the 32nd Canadian Parliament, replacing Judd Buchanan who resigned his seat. Burghardt was defeated in the 1984 federal election by Progressive Conservative candidate Tom Hockin.
After leaving federal politics, Burghardt entered municipal politics.
He was first elected to Board of Control in 1985. He was re-elected to both positions in 1988 and 1991. He ran for mayor in 1994, but narrowly lost to fellow controller Dianne Haskett.
Burghardt died in London aged 73 following surgery.
