Canada will honor the life and legacy of former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, who died on Thursday at the age of 84, with a state funeral in Montreal, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Friday. Mulroney, who led the country from 1984 to 1993, was a prominent figure in Canadian politics and international affairs, who forged close ties with the U.S., fought against apartheid in South Africa, and championed free trade and environmental protection.
Mulroney’s Death and Family Statement
Mulroney died in a Florida hospital after a fall at his home in Palm Beach, Florida on Thursday. He had been suffering from various health issues, including prostate cancer and heart problems, in recent years. His daughter, Caroline Mulroney, who is the Ontario Minister of Transportation, confirmed his death on social media, saying that he passed away peacefully surrounded by his family.
Caroline Mulroney also thanked the public for their condolences and tributes, and said that her father loved Canada and served it with passion and dedication. She said that he was a devoted husband to her mother, Mila, and a loving father and grandfather to their four children and ten grandchildren. She said that he will be greatly missed by his family and friends, and by all Canadians who admired and respected him.
Mulroney’s Legacy and Achievements
Mulroney was the leader of the Progressive Conservative Party from 1983 to 1993, and the prime minister of Canada from 1984 to 1993. He won two consecutive majority governments, in 1984 and 1988, with the largest and the second-largest number of seats in Canadian history. He was also the youngest prime minister to take office, at the age of 45.
Mulroney was known for his bold and ambitious agenda, both at home and abroad. He signed the Canada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement and the North American Free Trade Agreement, which opened up the Canadian economy and increased trade and investment with its southern neighbors. He also negotiated the Meech Lake Accord and the Charlottetown Accord, which aimed to recognize Quebec as a distinct society and to reform the Canadian constitution, but failed to secure the approval of all provinces.
Mulroney was also a vocal advocate for human rights and democracy, especially in Africa. He led the international campaign to impose sanctions on South Africa’s apartheid regime, and to release Nelson Mandela from prison. He also supported the end of the Cold War and the reunification of Germany, and established diplomatic relations with China and South Korea. He also initiated the acid rain treaty with the U.S., and the Montreal Protocol on ozone depletion, which earned him praise from environmental groups.
Mulroney’s Tributes and Funeral Plans
Mulroney’s death sparked an outpouring of tributes and condolences from across the political spectrum and around the world. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that Mulroney was a statesman and a leader who left a lasting mark on Canada and the world. He said that Mulroney was a visionary and a friend, who inspired him and many others to enter public service. He also said that he spoke with Mulroney’s wife, Mila, and offered his support and sympathy to the family.
Former U.S. President George W. Bush, who was a close friend of Mulroney and his father, George H.W. Bush, also expressed his sadness and admiration for Mulroney. He quoted from Mulroney’s eulogy at his father’s funeral, saying that “the best ships are friendships, and may they always be.” He said that Mulroney was a true champion of freedom and democracy, and a loyal ally of the U.S. He also said that he and his wife, Laura, send their prayers and love to the Mulroney family.
Trudeau said that Canada will hold a state funeral for Mulroney in Montreal, where he was born and raised, and where he began his political career. He said that the date and the details of the funeral will be announced later, in consultation with the family and the public health authorities. He said that the funeral will be an opportunity for Canadians to pay their respects and to celebrate Mulroney’s life and legacy.