Canadians had the chance on Saturday to witness the final public farewell to the late Brian Mulroney, who led Canada as prime minister from 1984 to 1993.
His tenure coincided with the end of the Cold War, and he helped lead South Africa’s fight against apartheid. His government enacted a series of important environmental agreements, introduced the GST, and launched the modern era of free trade in North America.
Here are some moments you may have missed.
A star-studded event
Mulroney’s state funeral in Montreal was attended by about 1,300 people, including some of Canada’s biggest names in politics, culture and business.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Opposition Leader Pierre Poièvre and leaders of Canada’s other federal political parties were in attendance, as well as a number of provincial leaders. Former prime ministers Stephen Harper, Jean Chretien and Joe Clark were in attendance, as well as Governor Mary Simon and several former governors.
Other notable Canadians include actor Ryan Reynolds, media mogul Pierre Karl Péladeau (who also delivered a eulogy), Loblaw chief Galen Weston and Bloc Quebecois founder Lucien Bouchard. People filled the pews of Notre Dame Cathedral.
Political allies and rivals shook hands and exchanged words as they waited for the ceremony to begin. They included former Parti Quebecois leader Pauline Marois, former Quebec Liberal leader Philippe Couillard, and leaders of the modern Conservative Party and its Progressive Conservative Party. These are Andrew Shea MP and Peter McKay MP.
mulroney’s voice
A mix of classical music, religious songs, and more contemporary compositions were performed at the funeral. danny boy – Artist: The Tenors Mais qu’est-ce que j’ai?sung by Mulroney’s granddaughter Elizabeth Theodora Lapham.
One of the most touching moments happened during the performance of. When Irish Eyes Is Smiling as the congregation heard a recording of Mulroney singing the last verse, by Lapham and Marc Hervieux.
Audio of the late prime minister singing “Irish Eyes Are Smiling” was played, completing a musical tribute by his granddaughter Elizabeth Theodora Lapham and tenor Marc Hervieux.
Late prime minister’s singing recording we will meet again His famous baritone played the song as mourners filed out of the cathedral at the end of the service.
Mulroney, who loved to sing, recorded an 18-song CD for her 16 grandchildren, her son Ben Mulroney told CBC earlier this week.
Caroline Mulroney’s moving eulogy
Mulroney’s funeral drew many tributes, including words from hockey legend Wayne Gretzky and Prime Minister Trudeau. Former Progressive Conservative Leader Jean Charest spoke about his experience working with the late prime minister in his cabinet, and a representative for former US Secretary of State James Baker spoke about Mulroney’s free trade legacy.
The late prime minister’s daughter, Caroline Mulroney, gave the first eulogy. The Ontario minister mentioned both Mulroney’s political experience and her role as her father and husband.
“He gave me love, confidence and strength,” she said.
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In her eulogy, Caroline Mulroney remembers her father’s final days. She said, “His body was tired, but his heart wouldn’t let us give up.”
She also spoke about Brian Mulroney’s last words to his wife, Mila Mulroney.
“It’s not enough [time in] Hearing all the stories of when he reached out to friends, adversaries and people he had never met is something we will spend a lifetime listening to,” Charest said.
Memories of the phone
Many of the guests interviewed by CBC News on Saturday morning spoke about their own experiences with Mulroney, starting with the phone call.
In his eulogy, Prime Minister Trudeau said his thoughts are with Mulroney’s family and that he understands what they are going through. He noted that the last time he spoke at Notre Dame Cathedral in Montreal was during the funeral of his own father, Pierre Elliott Trudeau.
He also told mourners that during numerous phone conversations with his predecessor, he learned that Mulroney had also been in touch with his mother, Margaret Trudeau.
Prime Minister Trudeau said he was not aware of the conversation, but was not surprised given Mulroney’s many contacts with Canadians from all walks of life.
Justin Trudeau, who spoke at Brian Mulroney’s state funeral, said the former prime minister loved connecting with Canadians and hearing their stories.
