Former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, renowned for his pivotal role in negotiating a free trade agreement with the U.S. but overshadowed by controversies involving improper business dealings, has passed away at the age of 84, as announced by his daughter, Caroline Mulroney, on Thursday via social media platform X.
Mulroney, who had undergone a heart procedure in August and battled prostate cancer the previous year, transitioned from corporate law to business before leading the center-right Progressive Conservatives to a historic victory in 1984 over the Liberals under John Turner.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed his grief over Mulroney’s demise, acknowledging his ceaseless dedication to Canada, stating, “He never stopped working for Canadians, and he always sought to make this country an even better place to call home.”
During his nine-year tenure, Mulroney implemented significant reforms, including the negotiation of the Canada-United States Free Trade Agreement in 1988 and the introduction of a goods and services tax in 1991, despite facing political backlash.
He also oversaw the privatization of government-run entities such as Air Canada.
Mulroney’s foreign policy initiatives included efforts to address environmental issues like acid rain, humanitarian crises such as the 1984 Ethiopian famine, and opposition to apartheid in South Africa.
His charisma and rapport with U.S. President Ronald Reagan facilitated landmark agreements, including the acid rain treaty and the trade deal with the U.S., while his attempts to address Quebec’s status within Canada were met with mixed results, contributing to political divisions.
Despite early electoral successes, Mulroney’s popularity waned, leading to his resignation in 1993 and a historic defeat for the Progressive Conservative party in the subsequent election.
Following his political career, Mulroney returned to legal practice but faced allegations of accepting kickbacks from an arms dealer in 1988.
While initially winning damages in a lawsuit against the government, an inquiry later found inappropriate dealings with the arms dealer, prompting public apologies from Mulroney.
Remembered as a towering figure in Canadian politics with enduring ties to American leaders, Mulroney’s legacy is marked by his contributions to international trade and diplomacy, as well as the controversies that marred his later years.