Mulroney left lasting legacy
Former prime minister taught Canadians important lessons
During the almost 10 years that Brian Mulroney was leader of the Opposition and prime minister of Canada, I was lucky enough to have a frontrow seat to observe him, even from the other side of the aisle as a Liberal member of the House of Commons.
I can clearly recall the day he entered the House of Commons on the arm of Erik Nielsen and the former minister of veterans affairs, George Hees, to the applause of the entire Conservative caucus, as well as some individuals in the gallery.
Mulroney took a seat in the chamber and, of course, Pierre Trudeau, the prime minister, had some sharp quips for him. However, Mulroney responded in kind. All in good nature.
ELOQUENT SPEAKER
Early on as Opposition leader, Mulroney had to respond to a motion put forward by the Liberals. Some believed the Liberals were trying to set a trap. Many in our caucus thought the Tories were divided on bilingualism and this was a good way to shake it up.
Mulroney took to his feet and spoke eloquently of Canada, the importance of bilingualism and the need for the country to come together. It was a remarkable performance from a young man who had literally no experience on the floor of the House. His eloquence would follow him for the rest of his career. In post-political life, Mulroney was an able raconteur and delighted in pleasing crowds of every political persuasion.
After Mulroney's presentation in the House, I had the occasion to walk with my mentor, Allan J. Maceachen, to his office. I was meeting with the deputy prime minister on a separate issue, and he asked what I thought of Mulroney’s presentation. I said I thought he was very good and that he was going to be difficult.
Maceachen, as only Maceachen could, said, “Well, David, you’d better get prepared. If I were you, I’d make sure that I spend every waking hour I have in my constituency.”
He said, “Did you know that the Tories are running about 60 per cent in the polls?” I responded, “No, I didn’t know that, but I’ll certainly be tending to my constituency every weekend until the election is held.”
GRACIOUS ACTION
When Mulroney became prime minister in 1984, he was quite gracious in executing his responsibilities. He invited U.S. president Ronald Reagan to Canada and held a gala in his honour at the Ottawa Arts Centre.
Upon leaving the chamber, I was one of many who watched Mulroney walk with Reagan. Mulroney gently guided the president toward where many of us were standing so he could introduce the president. I was so impressed and honoured to be able to shake the man’s hand. That was typical of Mulroney at the time and for the remainder of his public career, as well as his private life.
In 1993, when I was appointed to cabinet by Jean Chrétien, I received a phone call I was not expecting. It was Mulroney, who was no longer in public office. I was surprised but, as I learned in subsequent years, this was part of the Mulroney DNA. He was thoughtful and gracious on the phone, offered his assistance at any time and, from that time onward, I held him in high regard.
SAGE ADVICE
In 1995, with a referendum coming in Quebec, I made an important decision. In preparation for cabinet, I always made sure I had reviewed all my documents but, on this particular day, there was going to be a fulsome debate on what we were doing as a government in fighting the separatists in Quebec.
I thought long and hard, but then I picked up the phone and called Mulroney. He was a bit surprised to hear my voice but, nevertheless, he took my call and offered, what I thought, was sound political advice. He indicated to me, with no harshness toward Chrétien, Quebec MP Jean Charest or anyone else, that he thought the battle for Canada was being fought in all the provinces with the exception of Quebec.
The phrase Mulroney used to describe this, which stuck with me, was that the Liberal government of the day was playing at Maple Leaf Gardens when, in fact, the game was being held at the Montreal Forum.
SET GOOD EXAMPLES
For those who aspire to go into public life, Mulroney set several examples worthy of reflection.
The first, in opposition or in government, was that one should be extremely well prepared. I don’t think anyone who saw Mulroney up close could say with any degree of authenticity that he was a man who was not well prepared. He was always ready and informed, whether it was question period, cabinet or speaking across the country.
The second lesson was that it is important for leaders to take risks and do big things. Mulroney did several big things, including the Canadaunited States Free Trade Agreement, tackling air pollution with the U.S., his support for South Africa’s Nelson Mandela, establishing a regional development agency for Atlantic Canada (ACOA) and, of course, his attempts to renew the Canadian Constitution.
For someone who was new to national public policy, I envied Mulroney’s determination, his ability to bring his caucus together and, of course, the contributions he was making to Canada.
It’s often been said that one of Mulroney’s greatest skills was his ability to keep his caucus in line. I suggest this was rather easy for him. Mulroney had demonstrated from the early days that he was going to be loyal to his caucus. With that first and foremost in their minds, it was rather easy for caucus members to be loyal to him.
‘WARM AND KIND’
The third lesson I learned was that when one is in power make certain you are gracious and kind to those who have gone before you. I must admit that I, too, was a bit partisan when I assumed the office of minister, but it was shortly thereafter I recognized this was not the way to conduct yourself. I took meetings at the request of former ministers and I assisted members on the opposite side of the House with a variety of constituency-related issues. It was wise advice I had received from Mulroney himself.
In private life, he was particularly warm and kind. I had the great pleasure, as president and vice-chancellor of Cape Breton University, of inviting him to my Leadership Dinner in Halifax in 2022. He came, was warm to all the attendees, spoke extremely well, responded to difficult questions and intermingled with the 700 people in attendance. It was a huge success, and I believe Mulroney enjoyed it thoroughly.
Like many, I mourn the passing of Mulroney deeply. To his wife, Mila, and wonderful family, I pass on my deepest sympathies and assurances that he taught many Canadians important lessons about character and loyalty.
David C. Dingwall is president and vicechancellor of Cape Breton University. He also served as member of Parliament for Cape Breton-east Richmond from 1980 to 1997.