Former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney has passed away at the age of 84.
Mulroney’s daughter, Caroline, announced his death in a social media post on X, stating, “The country’s 18th prime minister passed away peacefully and surrounded by family.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed that he will have a state funeral on Friday.
Born in Baie-Comeau, QC., in 1939, Mulroney built a political career marked by his leadership of a coalition comprising Western conservatives, Red Tories, and Quebec nationalists, which formed the old centrist Progressive Conservative Party. His legacy includes securing the original NAFTA trade deal with the U.S. and Mexico, as well as passing the Goods and Services Tax into law.
Mulroney was also recognized for his strong opposition to apartheid in South Africa, leading global sanctions that contributed to its end, and his environmental achievements, such as reducing acid rain and implementing the Canadian Environmental Protection Act.
“He was committed to this country, loved it with all his heart, and served it for many, many years in many different ways,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told reporters, praising Mulroney’s dedication to showcasing Canada on the world stage.
“He shaped our past, shapes our present, and will impact our future as well. He was an extraordinary statesman and will be deeply, deeply missed,” Trudeau added.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre recalled his last conversation with Mulroney, six weeks before his passing, and admired his “humble beginnings” and lifelong successes. Poilievre described Mulroney’s distinctive voice and friendly smile, expressing that Canadians will miss them dearly.
Upon news of Mulroney’s death, the House of Commons adjourned early on Thursday night.
Mulroney is survived by his wife, Mila, and four children. Caroline Mulroney serves as Ontario’s treasury board president and francophone affairs minister, while Ben Mulroney is a well-known TV personality. Mark and Nicholas Mulroney have careers in banking.
Mulroney’s breakthrough victory in Quebec during the 1984 federal election earned the party 58 seats in what was traditionally a Liberal stronghold. However, Mulroney’s tenure was not without controversy, as he faced investigations related to accepting kickbacks from a German businessman after leaving office. He denied any wrongdoing, attributing the payments to lobbying and consulting services.
Despite his initial promises to downsize the civil service, Mulroney governed from the center, with foreign policies leaning further left than other conservative leaders of his time, such as Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan.
His death comes amidst global challenges to conservative movements, with rising populist and authoritarian elements posing existential threats to Western democracies and civil rights.
