Canada mourns the loss of Brian Mulroney, the country’s 18th prime minister, who passed away at the age of 84 in a hospital in Palm Beach, Florida. Known for his leadership on major issues such as free trade and apartheid, Mulroney’s legacy is marred by accusations of financial impropriety and influence-peddling after leaving office.
Born into a blue-collar family in Quebec, Mulroney rose to prominence as a successful lawyer and business executive before becoming prime minister in 1984. His popularity was fueled by his charismatic persona, impeccable style, and skillful oratory.
Despite his achievements, Mulroney’s tenure was marked by economic challenges and high unemployment, leading to his resignation in 1993 with the lowest poll ratings in Canadian history. He handed power to Kim Campbell, who became the country’s first female prime minister.
Mulroney’s most significant achievements include leading Canada into the North American Free Trade Agreement and implementing tax reform. He also played a key role in promoting relations between the US and the Soviet Union during the Cold War and advocating for sanctions against apartheid in South Africa.
However, Mulroney’s reputation was tarnished by revelations of a secret business relationship with an arms dealer and lobbyist, Karlheinz Schreiber. Despite denying any illegal activity, Mulroney admitted to accepting cash payments from Schreiber, describing it as his “biggest mistake.”
In the aftermath of the scandal, Mulroney faced criticism and legal challenges, but he maintained his resilience and continued to pursue business interests. His legacy remains a complex mix of accomplishments and controversies, leaving a lasting impact on Canadian politics.