Au revoir to the P'tit Gars de Baie-Comeau: Brian Mulroney laid to rest
As snow fell on a very cold Montreal morning, politicians, celebrities, hockey stars and friends of Brian Mulroney entered Notre-Dame Basilica to pay their respects.
Le P'tit Gars de Baie-Comeau was remembered as a great Canadian and one of the most consequential prime ministers in the country's history.
"He had a huge impact 40 years ago," said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. "He had a huge impact four years ago, as he helped Canada and me negotiate through a very challenging time with our free trade deal with the United States."
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, right, and former prime minister Brian Mulroney speak during the Atlantic Economic Forum at St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, N.S. on Monday, June 19, 2023. (Darren Calabrese, The Canadian Press)
Many spoke about his ability to accomplish big projects like the Free Trade Agreement, and what that meant for his home province of Quebec.
"The impact was so great on Quebec companies," said Premier Francois Legault. "We saw a very important increase in exportation, and of course it created good jobs in Quebec."
Quebec Premier Francois Legault arrives to the funeral of former prime minister Brian Mulroney, in Montreal, Saturday, March 23, 2024. (Sean Kilpatrick, The Canadian Press)
John Parisella was chief of staff to former Quebec premier Robert Bourassa, who was in power when Mulroney was prime minister.
He said that when it came to US relations, there was no one better than Mulroney.
"A strong relationship with an American president gives us more influence in the rest of the world," said Parisella. "And I think he's the model when it comes to Canada, the U.S. relations."
"When my mother turned 80, he called her," said Parisella. "He found out about it. He called me and says, 'give me her number.' Well, I said, 'let me call her before she gets a heart attack getting the prime minister to call.' He called her and he sang 'When Irish Eyes Were Smiling' on the phone to her."
Many give Mulroney credit for fighting environmental issues when it wasn't a top priority for politicians.
"To really be a voice that influenced the world around protecting the ozone layer and fighting against acid rain was something that was quite remarkable," said NDP leader Jagmeet Singh.
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh pays his respects at the casket of former prime minister Brian Mulroney as he lies in state at the Sir John A. Macdonald building opposite Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Tuesday, March 19, 2024. (Sean Kilpatrick, The Canadian Press)
Quebecers remember Mulroney as someone who was inclusive, trying to bring Quebec into the constitution while also working closely with his opponents.
"He did not treat his political adversaries as enemies," said Parisella. "I think that's so important. Civility in politics is important and Brian Mulroney was the incarnation of civility in politics."
"He was able to find some solutions, and I think sometimes it's missing now in politics," said Quebec Justice Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW AI helping to identify undiagnosed genetic disorders in children
Researchers have developed the world's first algorithm powered by artificial intelligence to identify children with undiagnosed rare genetic disorders.
Healthy diets with only 10% ultraprocessed foods may raise risk of cognitive decline, stroke
Eating more ultraprocessed foods is linked to a higher risk of cognitive decline and stroke, even if a person is trying to adhere to a Mediterranean diet, the DASH diet or the MIND diet, a new study found.
Charlie Colin, founding member of the pop-rock band Train, dies at 58
Charlie Colin, bassist and founding member of the American pop-rock band Train, best known for their early-aughts hits like 'Drops of Jupiter' and 'Meet Virginia,' has died. He was 58.
Toronto awarded WNBA's first franchise outside U.S., with expansion team set to begin play in 2026
Toronto has been awarded the WNBA's first franchise outside the United States, with the expansion team set to begin play in 2026.
How does this end? With Hamas holding firm and fighting back in Gaza, Israel faces only bad options
Diminished but not deterred, Hamas is still putting up a fight after seven brutal months of war with Israel, regrouping in some of the hardest-hit areas in northern Gaza and resuming rocket attacks into nearby Israeli communities.
'We'll need all hands on deck': Details emerge after deadly boat crash near Kingston, Ont.
Police say they have wrapped up their on-scene investigation into a deadly boat crash in eastern Ontario as details of the incident begin to emerge.
WestJet planning new fare category for travellers willing to forgo carry-on bag
WestJet Airlines plans to launch a new cheaper fare category that would be available to travellers willing to fly without a carry-on bag.
With 2M seniors signed up and 10K providers, Holland defends dental plan rollout
Canada's dental care plan is 'getting there' Health Minister Mark Holland said Wednesday defending the program's rollout that's now seen two million seniors sign up, but just 10,000 oral health providers enrolled to treat them.
Majority of Canadians plan to stay close to home on this year's summer vacation, survey finds
A new survey found a majority of Canadian respondents plan to stay within the country on their next trip amidst high costs of living.