Tributes Pour in for Former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney

Members of the Canadian House of Commons gathered on Monday for a solemn reflection in honor of the late Brian Mulroney, the former Prime Minister of Canada who passed away last month.

Under the watchful eyes of his wife Mila and their children Nicholas, Mark, Ben, and Caroline from the gallery above, leaders and lawmakers from all parties shared fond memories and admiration for the political giant.

Upon their return to the Commons on Monday, after a two-week break, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was the first to speak about Brian Mulroney’s legacy in what is set to be a week-long commemoration of the former Prime Minister, culminating in national funeral services on Saturday.

This will not be the last week that Canadians will quote him, remember his example, and be inspired by his service, stated Justin Trudeau.

Mr. Trudeau recalled spending time with Mr. Mulroney last year in Nova Scotia during a visit to Mulroney Hall, where they reflected on the wisdom shared between Mr. Mulroney and his father, that leadership fundamentally involves advancing important issues, regardless of political allegiance or style.

Members of the Mulroney family also smiled from the gallery as Justin Trudeau explained that Brian Mulroney was primarily motivated by a sense of service.

As Prime Minister, Mr. Mulroney championed free trade and introduced the Free Trade Agreement between Canada and the United States in 1988, a precursor to the North American Free Trade Agreement that came into effect in 1994. Many Canadians also remember him for implementing the GST.

But it was his down-to-earth nature that, according to Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, exemplifies Brian Mulroney’s approach to work.

He recounted a story of meeting a mechanic in Ottawa whose father was a miner at the Iron Ore Company of Canada when Brian Mulroney was its president. Decades later, when the mechanic’s father passed away, Mr. Mulroney called the family, said Pierre Poilievre.

We will remember Brian Mulroney as a great Canadian, a great Quebecer, and a great Prime Minister, said Louis Plamondon, an elected member of Mr. Mulroney’s party when he became Prime Minister.

The leader of the NDP, Jagmeet Singh, expressed hope that Mr. Mulroney’s family would find some solace in the many shared memories about him.

Brian Mulroney spoke out against the injustices of apartheid, said Mr. Singh, and helped preserve the social fabric of Canada.

At a time when divisions are deepening, and some political leaders seek to score points by pitting groups of people against each other, Mr. Mulroney will be remembered as someone who tried to build unity, Mr. Singh reaffirmed.

Brian Mulroney’s casket is expected to arrive in Ottawa on Tuesday, where it will lie in state for two days for the public to pay their respects. The former Prime Minister will also lie in repose at Montreal’s St. Patrick’s Basilica on Thursday and Friday.

Dignitaries, including the Governor General and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, are scheduled to offer their condolences to the Mulroney family on Tuesday morning, with the eulogies from Caroline Mulroney, Jean Charest, and Wayne Gretzky.