FORMER Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney 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.
Former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney has died at the age of 84Getty
Mulroney had a long political career that was sometimes divisiveGetty
GettyHe is survived by his wife, Mila, and their four children[/caption]
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.
“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 CTV News.
Mulroney helped build strong international ties for the country as he rallied against apartheid and imposed sanctions on South Africa.
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.
“Brian Mulroney loved Canada. I’m devastated to learn of his passing,” wrote 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.
GettyMulroney formed a close bond with several US Presidents[/caption]
GettyHe advised then-President George H.W. Bush during Operation Desert Storm[/caption]
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