Citizens wanted to pay their respects to the family of former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, who inspired them throughout their lives, on this 2e day of fiery chapel and polar cold in Montreal.
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“He’s someone I’ve always admired. He is the prime minister of the working class,” testifies Pauline Cossette, 81, met in front of Saint-Patrick’s Basilica.
Clara Loiseau / Journal de Montréal
The story is the same for a federal government employee, who did not wish to give her name.
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“Every day, it’s someone who inspires me. It was he who made me want to work in government,” she explains.
Photo Agence QMI, JOEL LEMAY
An example for young people
Although they did not know Brian Mulroney as Prime Minister, young adults wanted to pay tribute to the man who left a great legacy to Canada.
Photo Agence QMI, JOEL LEMAY
“He is a historic person, he did a lot for the environment, particularly for the ozone layer, when he was in power and we don’t know where we would be if he hadn’t done all that. », Explains Magnus Kurbis-Jacques, a 20-year-old political science student who came on Friday between two classes.
Finance Minister Eric Girard paid a final tribute to Brian Mulroney.
Photo Agence QMI, JOEL LEMAY
A strength for Quebec
Many visitors wanted to recall the important work of the “little guy from Baie-Comeau” to promote Quebec throughout Canada.
“He tried everything, did everything in his power to bring Quebec honorably into the constitutional debate,” explains Aï Nguyen, 60 years old.
Photo Clara Loiseau
“He’s the only Conservative I voted for. I no longer recognized myself in this party afterward,” adds the man who lives in Quebec.
An exemplary gesture
Many wanted to salute the man of heart who did not hesitate to support Nelson Mandela during Apartheid.
“I wanted to tell him that Africa thanks him,” says Antoine Sarr, 72, as he leaves St. Patrick’s Basilica.
Photo Clara Loiseau
Like him, Béatrice Simvura took a day off to come to downtown Montreal, where the ardent chapel takes place.
“At that time, no one was behind Mr. Mandela, but he held on, and I hope we can have other people like him in the future,” explains Mr.me Simvura.
Personalities
Several personalities also went to Saint-Patrick’s Basilica to pay their last respects to the former prime minister.
We included the Minister of the Economy of Quebec, Éric Girard, the former mayor of Montreal, Denis Coderre, the former leader of the Liberal Party, Dominique Anglade, as well as the former player of the Montreal Canadiens , Serge Savard.