Former prime minister Brian Mulroney has died, according to a post shared Thursday evening by his daughter, MPP Caroline Mulroney.
Reports from The Canadian Press said a spokesperson for Caroline later shared details that Mulroney died in a Palm Beach hospital where he had been admitted after a recent fall.
An exact cause of death has not been given however last spring Mulroney was treated for prostate cancer and then last summer underwent a heart procedure.
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On behalf of my mother and our family, it is with great sadness we announce the passing of my father, The Right Honourable Brian Mulroney, Canada’s 18th Prime Minister. He died peacefully, surrounded by family.— Caroline Mulroney (@C_Mulroney) February 29, 2024
Mulroney was Canada’s 18th prime minister, holding the position from 1984 to 1993.
He was instrumental in the establishment of the North America Free Trade Agreement, a landmark economic and trade liberalization agreement between Canada, the U.S. and Mexico.
He will also be remembered for his failed attempt to add Quebec’s consent to the constitution through the Meech Lake Accords.
Tributes poured in for the former Tory leader, with the House of Commons expected to stay empty and the flag on top of the Peace Tower in Ottawa sitting at half-mast.
“As we mourn his passing and keep his family and friends in our thoughts, let us also acknowledge – and celebrate – Mr. Mulroney’s role in building the modern, dynamic, and prosperous country we all know today,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a statement.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford said Mulroney was a role model and taught him how to be a better leader.
Tonight, Canada lost its ultimate statesman.
Rest in peace, my friend. Our country will miss you. pic.twitter.com/KJ7qKsR9DS
— Doug Ford (@fordnation) February 29, 2024
Pierre Poilievre remembered Mulroney as one of Canada’s greatest ever statesmen.
“I will always be thankful for his candid advice and generous mentorship to me personally. All Canadians are grateful for his immense sacrifice and the lasting legacy he leaves us all,” Poilievre said in a statement.
Mulroney was involved in business after stepping away from politics at the end of his second term. His connection to American leaders developed during his time in office continued in his later years.
In 2004, he delivered a eulogy at the funeral for former U.S. president Ronald Reagan, and in 2018 he did the same for George H.W. Bush.
A state funeral will be held for Mulroney later this month to allow for Canadians to express their condolences.
