The death of former Prime Minister of Canada Brian Mulroney plunged the large conservative political family into mourning on Thursday. The departure of the man who directed the destiny of the country for almost a decade was also highlighted across the political spectrum, both in Canada and in Quebec.
“I will always be grateful to him for his candid advice and generous mentoring of me. All Canadians are grateful to him for his immense sacrifice and the lasting legacy he leaves us,” said the current leader of the Conservative Party, Pierre Poilievre, in a press release.
The latter highlighted the electoral successes of Mr. Mulroney, who notably won the largest majority in Canadian history with 211 seats during the 1984 elections, but also his political contribution.
“He unleashed free enterprise, crushed inflation, restored fiscal discipline, and concluded one of the greatest free trade agreements the world has ever seen, much of which remains in force today. These changes gave thousands of working-class families the same opportunities he had: the ability to work hard, buy a home and realize their dreams. »
“On the international stage, he stood firmly with Western allies against communism and for freedom,” added Mr. Poilievre. He was one of the first and most ardent fighters against South Africa’s apartheid policies and championed the cause of Nelson Mandela. »
Jean Charest, who was leader of the Progressive Conservative Party from 1993 to 1998 and who was three times a minister in the Mulroney cabinet, hailed “one of the greatest prime ministers in Canadian history. »
“He was an exceptional leader. A visionary. And a statesman whose influence had a significant impact on the international level, wrote the former Quebec prime minister on the X network. I keep the memory of a generous, passionate man and deeply attached to Canada. We are deeply grateful for his dedication and commitment to our country. »