Brian Mulroney dead at 84: Trudeau, Harper, Zelenskyy pay tribute as state funeral plans underway for controversial prime minister

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is sending his condolences to Brian Mulroney's family. In a post to X, formerly known as Twitter, Zelenskyy pointed out how "Ukrainians will always remember that Brian Mulroney's government was the first in the Western Hemisphere to recognize Ukraine's independence in 1991."

It's what Zelenskyy credits for what "laid a solid foundation for Ukraine and Canada to continue their true friendship," as the two nations continue a strong partnership through their security agreement amid the Russia-Ukraine war.

Brian Mulroney will always be remembered as a charismatic speaker, as he looked to usher in change in all aspects of his political career. Upon his passing, here's Mulroney in his own words, presented by CBC.

Mulroney’s former chief of staff David McLaughlin also took the time to speak to CBC following news of his passing, remembering him as someone who “loved to persuade.” McLaughin remembers how Mulroney called his mom twice as he tried to convince him to support his race for leader of the PC party in 1983.

McLaughlin says Mulroney "made sure Canada punched above its international weight. To that extent, I think he was the most consequential foreign policy prime minister we may well have had.”

Mulroney used his relationships in order to leverage policy outcomes, such as with U.S. presidents Ronald Reagan and George Bush, says McLaughin, as he watched the prime minister refer to everyone on a first-name basis.

Brian Mulroney's historic win in 1984 to become prime minister came in large part to how he captured Quebecers. In the election, he produced 58 of Quebec's 75 seats. It makes him "the last, and so far only, conservative to taste victory in Quebec," according to The Canadian Press.

With the news of his passing, Quebec Premier François Legault paid his tribute to Mulroney, who was born in the province.

"A true ambassador who promoted Quebec and Canada throughout the world. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones," wrote Legault on X.

However, Mulroney did also have some hiccups for Quebec. It's most notably highlighted through the Meech Lake Accord in 1987 and the Charlottetown Accord in 1992. The two accords in large part looked to recognize Quebec as a "distinct society." The Charlottetown Accord was approved by the federal and provincial governments, but was ultimately rejected by Canadian voters in a referendum. Mulroney, as he saw his popularity decline on both sides after the failed accords, resigned as prime minister shortly after.

For more on Mulroney and Quebec separatism, as well as an obituary, see this post from The Telegraph.

Controversy is also tied to Mulroney in regards to the Oka Crisis in 1990 in Quebec. It was a 78-day standoff, where the Mohawks of Kanesatake protested by trying to protect a disputed land, which featured a burial ground. A development for a golf course and townhouses was proposed, leading to actions by the Quebec police and RCMP to try to seize the land. The Oka Crisis involved the death of a Quebec police officer, but the standoff was ultimately cleared after the Canadian army was sent in by Mulroney.

A state funeral will take place later this month for former prime minister Brian Mulroney, said Justin Trudeau on Friday. There will also opportunities for Canadians to express condolences to the Mulroney family.

"We're working with the family closely to ensure that all of their wishes are respected and that it be the right and fitting tribute to him," said Trudeau, according to the Toronto Star. "We will be sharing more details of course … But I can also let everyone know that there will be opportunities for Canadians to express their gratitude and share tributes to the former prime minister as the coming days and weeks unfold."

Along with sharing a statement upon news of his passing, Trudeau took time to speak on Thursday about how Mulroney shaped Canada's past and present, and how his time as a politician will continue to have an impact on the country's future. He highlighted Mulroney's ability to bring people together, such as on the world stage, and also in maintaining their valuable relationship with the U.S. through some "very challenging years."

"He was an extraordinary statesman and he will be deeply, deeply missed," said Trudeau.

In response to the death of former prime minister Brian Mulroney, the flag at the top of Peace Tower in Ottawa is at half-mast on Friday. The tribute is also joined by members of Parliament being absent today from the House of Commons, as politicians join Canadians in mourning his death.

On Thursday, news spread in the House of Commons during a debate on legislation, as Conservative MP John Nater made an announcement, leading to the suspension of proceedings.

"It is obviously with great regret that this House has learned of the passing of this country's 18th prime minister," said Nater.

Former prime minster Stephen Harper is remembering Brian Mulroney for his impact on Canada, especially noting the economic change he made with the Free Trade Agreement with the U.S.

At one point, Mulroney served as a mentor to Harper. But their relationship soured when Harper in 2008 called for a commission of inquiry into Mulroney over cash payments he accepted as a form of kickback from a German businessman in the Airbus affair. The commission concluded that Mulroney acted inappropriately by accepting $225,000 after he had left office.

There's no mention of the aircraft scandal in Harper's post on X. Instead, while mourning his passing, Harper also remembers Mulroney's international impact, such as his "principled opposition to apartheid in South Africa, his enduring support for Israel, and his advocacy of independence for Ukraine and the other European nations long under the yoke of Soviet communism."

As a fellow Conservative, Harper also pointed out that "Mr. Mulroney will also be remembered as the first Canadian Conservative leader to win back-to-back majority mandates since Sir John A. Macdonald, including the largest electoral victory in Canadian history."

Ontario Premier Doug Ford remembers former prime minister Brian Mulroney as both a "mentor" and also an "advisor."

“You wanna talk about leadership? You wanna talk about trailblazers, visionaries? That was Brian Mulroney,” said Ford at a Toronto Region Board of Trade event.

“He became a mentor to me. He became an advisor to me anytime I had a tough decision.”

Ford later also released a statement on Mulroney. A part of Ford's cabinet is Mulroney's daughter Caroline, who holds the title of Minister of Francophone Affairs.

Canada's greenest prime minister?

Mulroney was one of Canada’s most environmentally-friendly prime ministers, according to Canadian History Ehx Journalist Craig Baird.

During his tenure as the Canadian prime minister, Mulroney secured a treaty with the United States of America on acid rain while making Canada the first industrialized nation to ratify a Convention on biological diversity.

Mulroney was also behind passing the Environmental Assessment Act & Environmental Protection Act and making Canada the first G7 nation to sign the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

In 2006, a 12-member panel named Mulroney Canada's greenest prime minister, according to Baird.

Strong stance on apartheid

While in office during the era of former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan, Mulroney broke ranks with his strongest allies on the issue of apartheid as he saw the state's system of racist repression as fundamentally unjust and supported sanctions against the South African white minority regime.

'Brown envelope' controversy

The 18th prime minister of Canada wasn’t without his share of controversy with one of them involving him allegedly attempting to cover up cash payments of up to $300,000 he accepted from a German businessman.

In response to the allegations, Mulroney admitted accepting an envelope with money in it and told an inquiry that there was nothing untoward in him accepting a certain “business arrangement” in public as the payment was both “unsolicited and unexpected.”

Readers were quick to point out the record of his controversies wasn't forgotten:

Canadian politicians are remembering Brian Mulroney’s “immense sacrifice,” generosity and contribution to the country in their tributes to the former Prime Minister, who passed away at the age of 84.

Caroline Mulroney, daughter of Canada’s 18th prime minister, announced the sad news of her father passing away “peacefully” through a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Following Mulroney’s announcement, Canadian leaders from all sides of the aisle joined in singing praise of the late Progressive Conservative Party leader.

Leader of the Opposition Pierre Poilievre peened a lengthy note in the memory of Mulroney, extensively detailing the veteran’s early years hailing from a working-class community, his business acumen and the stalwart figure he ended up becoming in Canadian politics.

“He unleashed free enterprise, crushed inflation, restored fiscal sanity and concluded one of the greatest free trade agreements the world has ever seen, which remains largely in place today,” Poilievre wrote on X.

“These changes gave thousands of working-class families the same opportunities he had, that is, the chance to work hard, buy a home, and build their dreams,” he added.

NDP and the Liberals join Poilievre in remembering Mulroney's contributions

Leader of Canada’s New Democratic Party, Jagmeet Singh, also remembered Mulroney’s “contribution” to protecting the environment while seated in the top seat of the government.

Prime Minister Justine Trudeau, along with his deputy, Chrystia Freeland and Housing Minister Sean Fraser, led the Liberals in sharing their condolences following the “devastating” news.

Premiers of Canadian provinces recall their interactions with Mulroney

Leaders of different provinces joined the tributes with Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith recalling the role Mulroney played in Canadian politics and anecdotes from their personal time with him.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took to social media shortly after Mulroney's death was made public to offer his condolences.

"Brian Mulroney loved Canada. I’m devastated to learn of his passing.

"He never stopped working for Canadians, and he always sought to make this country an even better place to call home. I’ll never forget the insights he shared with me over the years – he was generous, tireless, and incredibly passionate.

"As we mourn his passing and keep his family and friends in our thoughts, let us also acknowledge – and celebrate – Mr. Mulroney’s role in building the modern, dynamic, and prosperous country we all know today."