`I just want to thank everybody on behalf of the family'
Awards and medals Mulroney received over the course of his career were on display on a small box atop the casket.
He served as prime minister from 1984 to 1993, winning two majority Conservative governments and pushing through free trade with the U.S. and the GST.
Mulroney died on Feb. 29 in Palm Beach, Fla., after a fall. He was 84.
Joe Clark, who was Conservative prime minister from 1979 until 1980, paused before the casket and complimented Mulroney's “ability to take his substantial talents and apply with enormous consistency and discipline to trying to make the country a better place,” according to the CBC.
On Monday, Mulroney's wife and children sat in the House of Commons gallery to hear glowing tributes and funny stories from politicians across the partisan spectrum.
“We're truly honoured from people across the country and internationally that have taken the time to reach out to say nice things and words of comfort. I just want to thank everybody on behalf of the family,” said Nicholas Mulroney, the CBC reported.
Members of the public who wish to pay tribute to Mulroney are able to visit his casket in person until 1 p.m. Wednesday.
Security screening is required for visitors and several downtown streets near Parliament Hill are closed.
The public will also be able to pay their respects at Montreal's St. Patrick's Basilica on Thursday and Friday.
A state funeral will be held Saturday morning at Notre-dame Basilica, with eulogies from Caroline Mulroney, Jean Charest and Wayne Gretzky.