Friends and admirers remember Brian Mulroney for momentous policies that changed Canada
From championing free trade to opposing racial apartheid in South Africa, former prime minister Brian Mulroney left a remarkable and indelible imprint on Canadian history.
Condolences have been pouring since news broke that the nation's 18th prime minister had died just shy of his 85th birthday. His daughter Caroline Mulroney shared the news Thursday afternoon on social media.
His friends and admirers spoke both of the late statesman's ambitious (and sometimes divisive) political agenda and the extraordinary personal connections he forged along the way.
"I'll never forget the insights he shared with me over the years — he was generous, tireless, and incredibly passionate," wrote Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in a media statement.
"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. "
Prime Minister Brian Mulroney and U.S. President George Bush toss out the first pitches at the Toronto Blue Jays home opener against the Texas Rangers at the SkyDome in Toronto on April 10, 1990. (Fred Chartrand/The Canadian Press)
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre said Mulroney also shared "candid advice and generous mentorship" with him.
Poilievre praised Mulroney's economic policies and achievements, including one of his most consequential ones: brokering a free trade deal with the U.S.
"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," said Poilievre.
"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."
Poilievre cited Mulroney's passionate and personal campaign against South Africa's apartheid system and his efforts to rally Commonwealth nations against it.
"He was among the first and most strident to fight against South Africa's apartheid policy and champion the cause of Nelson Mandela," said Poilievre.
"[Mandela] later went on to thank Mr. Mulroney for his essential role in ending this racist policy."
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh praised Mulroney's environmental policies, including his successful efforts to convince U.S. President Ronald Reagan to sign the acid rain treaty to curb sulfur dioxide emissions that were destroying waterways.
Nelson Mandela raises his arms as he is acknowledged by Prime Minister Brian Mulroney and other members of Parliament in Ottawa, June 18, 1990. (Fred Chartrand/Canadian Press)
"He made an important contribution to Canada, including protecting our environment — leading the world in tackling acid rain and banning chemicals that were destroying the ozone layer," he said.
Former Quebec premier Jean Charest served in Mulroney's cabinet and was later tapped to chair a special committee to study a proposed companion resolution to the Meech Lake Accord.
The failed accord would have recognized Quebec as a "distinct society" within Canada and would have extended greater powers to the provinces to nominate people for federal institutions like the Senate and the Supreme Court of Canada.
"Mr. Mulroney was one of the greatest prime ministers in Canadian history. He was an exceptional leader. A visionary. And a statesman whose influence had a significant impact on the international stage. I remember him as generous, passionate, and deeply attached to Canada," wrote Charest.
"Our country owes Prime Minister Mulroney a profound debt of gratitude."
