Ottawa Gathers to Honor Former Prime Minister Mulroney

Brian Mulroney, former Canadian Prime Minister, is honored as his casket, draped in the Canadian flag, arrives in Ottawa for a public tribute. Dignitaries, including Governor General Mary Simon and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pay their respects as Mulroney lies in state. Canadians have the opportunity to visit and sign a book of condolences.

Governor General Mary Simon and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, were present to offer their condolences to Mulroney’s family

In a solemn ceremony, the family of Brian Mulroney accompanied his casket, cloaked in the Canadian flag, to the Parliamentary precinct in Ottawa. Mulroney, a stalwart figure in Canadian politics, will lie in state for a day and a half, allowing Canadians to pay their respects.

Dignitaries, including Governor General Mary Simon and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, were present to offer their condolences to Mulroney’s family. Former governor general Michaëlle Jean fondly remembered Mulroney’s convictions, especially his stand against racial apartheid in South Africa, while former Progressive Conservative prime minister Joe Clark praised Mulroney’s contributions to making Canada a better place.

Public visitation will be open from this afternoon until Wednesday, providing Canadians with the opportunity to honor Mulroney’s legacy. The Mulroney family expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support and tributes received from across the country and internationally.

Following the Ottawa tribute, Mulroney’s casket will be transported to Montreal, where he will lie in repose at St. Patrick’s Basilica before a state funeral at Notre-Dame Basilica. The funeral will feature eulogies from Mulroney’s daughter, Caroline Mulroney, as well as former Quebec Premier Jean Charest and hockey legend Wayne Gretzky.

Mulroney, who served as Prime Minister from 1984 to 1993, oversaw significant policy decisions that shaped Canada’s trajectory, including the implementation of free trade with the United States and the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST).