Brian Mulroney dead at 84; political leaders pay tribute to former prime minister

Canadians of all political stripes remembered Brian Mulroney as a “giant” and a natural leader Thursday as the country absorbed the news of the former prime minister’s death at the age of 84.

Mulroney died peacefully while surrounded by his family, his daughter Caroline said on social media. Her spokesman later said he had been hospitalized in Palm Beach, Fla., after a recent fall.

His wife Mila and all four of his children — Caroline, Ben, Mark and Nicolas — were at his side, the spokesman said.

The House of Commons suspended its evening sitting upon learning of his death.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he was devastated by Mulroney’s passing, while Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and Ontario Premier Doug Ford both reflected on the advice they received from a mentor.

Mulroney served as Canada’s 18th prime minister and led the country as the leader of the Progressive Conservatives from 1984 until 1993.

He championed free trade and ushered in the Canada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement in 1988, the precursor to the North American Free Trade Agreement in 1994. But many Canadians remember him for bringing in the Goods and Services Tax.

Upon news of his death, Conservative MP John Nater interrupted debate in the Commons and promptly found unanimous consent to suspend the proceedings.

Trudeau, who spoke to reporters Thursday evening in Thunder Bay, said his first thoughts were for Mulroney’s family.

“There are many many people across the country tonight who are reeling and feeling a deep absence,” Trudeau said.

He said Mulroney did big things, including free trade, was a champion for the environment and stood up for Canada’s values against communism, authoritarianism and apartheid.

A spokesman for Trudeau said the prime minister had spoken to Mulroney’s family directly to offer his condolences.

Poilievre shared a photo of himself with Mulroney, thanking the former Progressive Conservative leader for his “candid advice and generous mentorship.”

Mulroney brought “transformational change” to Canada, said Poilievre.

“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 said.

Ford called Mulroney “a giant” who leaves behind an “unmatched legacy.”

“Brian was also so generous with his time,” said Ford. “When faced with tough decisions, I often leaned on him for advice and benefited from his experience and his political instincts. He was a role model to me and taught me countless lessons on how to be a better leader.”

Former prime minister Jean Chrétien, who was the last opposition leader Mulroney faced before he retired, also paid tribute to his former rival during a rare appearance on Parliament Hill.

“I was an opponent of him all my political career, but in politics, opposition is opposition,” Chrétien said.

“It’s like playing hockey. You can fight on the ice and have a beer together after that. And we had a lot of things in common.”

From across the political spectrum politicians young and old recalled their own meetings with Mulroney. Liberal MP Anthony Housefather, who has been targeted with hate for his outspoken defence of Israel and Jews in Canada in recent months, said Mulroney reached out to him just a few months ago.

“In December 2023 I was going through a pretty stressful time and Brian Mulroney took the time to call me and encourage me,” Housefather said. “That was the kind of man he was. He cared about people. A true gentleman.”

Former Quebec premier Jean Charest, who served as a cabinet minister in Mulroney’s government, called him “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.”