LEADER LOST
Brian Mulroney dead at 84: Canada’s 18th prime minister who was close to US presidents & a key Desert Storm advisor dies
Mulroney is survived by his wife and their four children
FORMER Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, who had a close friendship with several US Presidents, has died at the age of 84.
He served as the 18th prime minister and led the country through a grueling period in history and left office with an impressive and divisive career.
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His death was announced by his daughter, Caroline, on social media.
"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," Caroline wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
"He died peacefully, surrounded by family."
Mulroney was born to a working-class family in Baie-Comeau, Quebec, and began his political tenure right during his university years.
He became an adviser to Conservative Prime Minister John Diefenbaker and worked behind the scenes in politics for years, earning a law degree.
In 1976, he attempted to become the next federal Progressive Conservative leader but ultimately lost to Joe Clark.
Refusing to quit, Mulroney joined the corporate world, becoming a senior executive but still had roots in politics as he planned to oust Clark.
In 1983, his pursuits finally worked when he became the leader of the Progressive Conservative Party.
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"Together we're going to build a brand new party and a brand new country," he said at the time.
After a successful campaign, Mulroney became prime minister on September 17, 1983.
During his time, Mulroney became a controversial figure, known for tackling some of the most challenging issues of his time.
"Mr. Mulroney took some very tough decisions which only in retrospect people are appreciating," former diplomat and Mulroney's former chief of staff Derek Burney told .
Mulroney helped build strong international ties for the country as he rallied against apartheid and imposed sanctions on South Africa.
FRIEND & ADVISOR TO US PRESIDENTS
He also developed a close bond with former US President George H.W. Bush, serving as a critical adviser during Desert Storm - the US-led invasion to liberate Kuwait.
As the US was determining a strategy to take military action against Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, Mulroney urged Bush to build a strong international consensus to include support from the United Nations and Nato.
"You must have consensus," Mulroney told Bush at the time, adding that without resolution from the UN, Canada "could not support this initiative."
Mulroney advised the president to seek out other foreign leaders, including the French and the UK.
Bush also confided in the Canadian leader that he was facing pressure from his own administration and members of Congress to take military action.
"When you're up 72-0 it is not time for the long bomb," Mulroney told him.
Bush often sought Mulroney's counsel on Cold War-related issues and even invited him to Camp David, making Mulroney the last guest of Bush's presidency to visit the retreat.
After Bush died in 2018, Mulroney was one of four people chosen to deliver a eulogy at his funeral.
"George Bush was a man of high accomplishment, but he also had a delightful sense of humor and was a lot of fun," Mulroney said at the time.
He recalled a time when Bush invited him to Walker's Point Estate, the summer retreat of the Bush family.
"As I looked over the waters of Walker's Point on that golden September afternoon in Maine, I was reminded of the lines, simple and true, that speak to the real nature of George Bush and his love of his wonderful family and precious surroundings," said Mulroney.
"There are wooden ships, there are sailing ships, there are ships that sail the sea. But the best ships are friendships, and may they always be."
Mulroney and his wife, Mila, were also close with Nancy and Ronald Reagan.
This friendship led to an iconic moment known as the Shamrock Summit in March 1985 when the Mulroneys entertained the President and First Lady in Quebec City to celebrate Saint Patrick's Day.
At the end of the night, both couples famously sang When Irish Eyes Are Smiling, a lighthearted tribute song to Ireland.
Mulroney and Regan both intended to celebrate their joint Irish heritage, however, Mulroney received heavy criticism in the Canadian press for "sucking up to Reagan."
TOUCHING TRIBUTES
As news of Mulroney's death became public, several public figures came forward with tributes.
"Brian Mulroney loved Canada. I’m devastated to learn of his passing," current Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
"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, and incredibly passionate."
Trudeau asked others to keep Mulroney's family and friends in their prayers.
Sean Fraser, who serves as minister of housing, infrastructure, and communities called Mulroney a political giant.
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"I had the chance to get to know Mr. Mulroney. He became a friend and someone who I came to rely on for advice. He didn’t let political stripe get in the way and was focused on making Canada a better place," Fraser on X.
"Canada is better for Mr. Mulroney’s service and dedication to public life, and I am sincerely sorry to hear of his passing."
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