A framed portrait of former prime minister Brian Mulroney leans against the Centennial Flame on Parliament Hill as Canadians mourn his death at the age of 84, in Ottawa, on Friday, March 1, 2024.Justin Tang/The Canadian Press
The state funeral for former prime minister Brian Mulroney will take place in Montreal on March 23.
Mr. Mulroney, a titan of Canadian politics whose policies transformed the economy, died last week in Palm Beach, Fla. He was 84.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s office announced the details for the state funeral on Tuesday. Prior to Mr. Mulroney’s funeral, he will lie in state in Ottawa and lie in repose in Montreal.
There will be a public visitation portion to both of those events. More details will be released next week.
“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 common good,” Mr. Trudeau said in a press release.
“His funeral will provide an opportunity to honour his incredible legacy – one that will continue to shape our country for generations to come.”
During the lying in state, Mr. Mulroney will rest within the parliamentary precinct. The ceremony includes a vigil and allows for dignitaries and the general public to pay their final respects. Lying in repose refers to a similar ceremony that does not take place on Parliament Hill.
The former prime minister is best known for implementing free-trade agreements with the United States and Mexico, striking an acid rain treaty with the U.S., and leading international efforts to protect the ozone layer.
Mr. Mulroney also led a campaign in the Commonwealth to end South Africa’s apartheid regime, and under his leadership Canada was the first Western country to recognize Ukraine’s independence.
As Canada’s 18th prime minister and the last one elected to lead the country under the Progressive Conservative banner, Mr. Mulroney still holds the record for winning the largest majority in Canadian history with 211 seats in 1984. However, he resigned in February, 1993, amid historically low polling. In the subsequent general election his party lost all but two seats.
Do you have a favourite memory from meeting Brian Mulroney?
The Globe and Mail wants to hear from readers about their stories and meetings with Mr. Mulroney, who was known as much for his charm as his political savvy. Where and when did you meet him? What do you remember most about that experience? Share your experience below.
Marieke Walsh