A state funeral for former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney will be held on March 23 in Montreal, as announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Mulroney passed away on Feb. 29 at a Florida hospital at the age of 84, following a fall at his Palm Beach home.
Lawmakers are set to pay tribute to Canada's 18th prime minister in the House of Commons upon their return to Ottawa on March 18 after a two-week break. Members of the public will have the opportunity to pay their respects to Mulroney in Ottawa when he lies in state on Parliament Hill. Further details regarding the specific location for the funeral and public viewings are expected to be released soon.
Mulroney, who led the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada, served nearly nine years as prime minister from 1984 to 1993. He is best known for his role in establishing new trade relations with the United States through the Canada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement and the initial version of the North American Free Trade Agreement. Mulroney also delivered eulogies at the funerals of Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.
Additionally, Mulroney was a staunch advocate for environmental causes, playing a key role in the development of a global treaty to protect the ozone layer and signing an agreement with the U.S. to combat the pollution responsible for acid rain. His efforts in supporting the end of apartheid in South Africa as part of the Commonwealth group of nations are also remembered.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy highlighted Mulroney as the first western leader to recognize an independent Ukraine, underscoring his significant contributions on the international stage.
