Former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, famous for the landmark free trade deal with the United States, died at the age of 84. His death was announced by his daughter, Caroline Mulroney, through social media. She wrote,
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— Caroline Mulroney (@C_Mulroney) February 29, 2024
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.
Mulroney’s daughter shared in August 2023 that he had a heart procedure and also went through prostate cancer treatment in early 2023.
After the announcement, the House of Commons of Canada, the country’s lower house of parliament, was adjourned to honor the legacy of the former PM. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau mourned the death of Mulroney through an X post. He said,
Brian Mulroney loved Canada. I’m devastated to learn of his passing.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) February 29, 2024
He never stopped working for Canadians, and he always sought to make this country an even better place to call home. I’ll never forget the insights he shared with me over the years – he was generous, tireless,…
Trudeau also acknowledged
Mr. Mulroney’s role in building the modern, dynamic, and prosperous country we all know today.
Brain Mulroney worked as a corporate lawyer and businessman before leading the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada to a historic win in 1984. Under his leadership, the Canadian export industry received a boon with the Canada-United States Free Trade Agreement in 1988. Moreover, in 1991, a new good and service tax was introduced that helped keep government finances on track.
Mulroney was highly praised for his take on human rights and environmental issues. He worked tirelessly to stop acid rain and put a pause on the use of chlorofluorocarbons, responsible for destroying the ozone layer.
He resigned in 1993 amid his decreasing popularity and handed over his power to his cabinet minister, Kim Campbell. After his resignation as prime minister, Brian Mulroney started practicing law again and became a partner at the Montréal-based firm Norton Rose Fulbright.
