Ottawa, ON – February 29, 2024
In a heartfelt statement, the Hon. Pierre Poilievre, Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada and the Official Opposition, reflects on the passing of a Canadian legend, the Right Honourable Brian Mulroney.
"It is with great sadness that Canadians learn of the loss of one of our greatest ever statesmen, the Right Honourable Brian Mulroney. The love and prayers of all Canadians go to his beloved children, Caroline, Ben, Mark, and Nicolas, and the love of his life, his best friend and wife, Mila.
"From Baie-Comeau, the son of an Irish electrician, raised in a working-class community, Mr. Mulroney had achieved prodigious success in business by the time he was in his late 30s. He led the Iron Ore Company as President and played leading roles in many of Canada’s other brilliant companies.
"His success in politics was even greater, winning the biggest majority in Canadian history, along with an impressive re-election. But it was the transformational change he brought to his nearly a decade as Prime Minister that is most important. 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. 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.
"On the world stage, he stood firmly on the side of Western allies against communism and for freedom. He was among the first and most strident to fight against South Africa’s apartheid policy and champion the cause of Nelson Mandela. He later went on to thank Mr. Mulroney for his essential role in ending this racist policy.
"I will always be thankful for his candid advice and generous mentorship to me personally. All Canadians are grateful for his immense sacrifice and the lasting legacy he leaves us all."
The life of Brian Mulroney was nothing short of remarkable. Canadians both loved and sometimes hated him, as he navigated the complexities of leadership with determination and vision. His political journey began with a choice that surprised many - a young Quebecer joining the Tories at a time when Liberals dominated Quebec's political landscape.
But Mulroney's impact on Canada would soon be felt far beyond his home province. His tenure as Prime Minister saw the signing of the historic Meech Lake Accord, a groundbreaking agreement that recognized Quebec as a distinct society. He also implemented bold economic reforms, including the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and free trade agreements that reshaped Canada's economic landscape.
However, these changes came with challenges. The GST, in particular, was met with scorn from Canadians, and Mulroney faced the lowest approval ratings in polling history as he left office. Yet, his legacy endured, with Mulroney remaining a respected statesman on the international stage after his departure from politics.
In recent years, he continued to make headlines for his support of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government, recognizing its efforts in trade negotiations and navigating global crises.
As we bid farewell to a remarkable leader, we also remember his words: "Let history, not political foes, rule on the Mulroney legacy." Brian Mulroney's legacy is one of boldness, vision, and a commitment to shaping a better Canada for all.
Caroline Mulroney, Brian Mulroney daughter now serve in the Ontario Government as Minister of Francophone Affairs wrote on her X account about the passing of her father on February 29th, 2024.
@C_Mulroney
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On behalf of my mother and our family, it is with great sadness we announce the passing of my father, The Right Honourable Brian Mulroney, Canada’s 18th Prime Minister. He died peacefully, surrounded by family.
2:56 PM · Feb 29, 2024