Arab Canada News
News
Published: March 5, 2024
An official funeral for former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney is scheduled to be held on March 23 in Montreal.
Mulroney died on February 29 at a Florida hospital after recently falling at his home in Palm Beach, at the age of 84.
Parliamentarians are expected to pay tribute to Canada’s eighteenth prime minister in the House of Commons when MPs return to Ottawa on March 18 after a two-week recess.
The public will be able to pay their respects to Mulroney in Ottawa when he lies in state on Parliament Hill.
There will also be an opportunity to honor him publicly in Montreal when he lies in repose, a term used when the coffin of a former prime minister or governor general is in any place other than the Hill.
Details about the specific location of the funeral and more information on public viewings are expected soon.
Trudeau said in a statement Tuesday when he released some details of the funeral plan: “Brian Mulroney never stopped working for Canada.”
“He was a champion of the values that unite us as Canadians and will forever be remembered as a force for the public good. His funeral will provide an opportunity to honor his remarkable legacy – a legacy that will continue to shape our country for generations to come.”
Mulroney led the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada and served nearly nine years as prime minister between 1984 and 1993.
He is remembered as the leader who launched new trade relations with the United States, first with the Canada-United States Free Trade Agreement and then the first version of the North American Free Trade Agreement.
He was also passionate about environmental issues, leading a global treaty to protect the ozone layer and signing an agreement with the U.S. to reduce pollution causing acid rain.
South Africa remembers him for helping to end apartheid as a leader within the Commonwealth countries.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky noted that Mulroney was the first Western leader to recognize independent Ukraine.
Official funerals are public occasions held to honor former governors general and prime ministers, as well as current ministers. A prime minister can also hold them for other prominent Canadians.
Comments