Brian Mulroney dies at 84: Canada’s 18th Prime Minister, who was close to US presidents and a key Desert Storm advisor, dies

FORMER Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, who had a close friendship with several US presidents, has died aged 84.

He was the 18th Prime Minister and led the country through a grueling period history and left office with a distinguished and divisive career.

6

6

6

His death was announced on social media by his daughter Caroline.

“On behalf of my mother and ours familyIt is with great sadness that we announce the passing of my father, the Right Honorable Brian Mulroney, the 18th Prime Minister of Canada,” Caroline wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

‘He died peacefully, surrounded by… family.”

Mulroney was born into a working-class background family in Baie-Comeau, Quebec, and began his political term during his university years.

He became an advisor to conservative Prime Minister John Diefenbaker and worked behind the scenes in politics for years, where he earned a living law rank.

In 1976 he tried the next one federal Progressive Conservative leader, but ultimately lost to Joe Clark.

Mulroney refused to quit and joined the corporate world, becoming a senior executive, but still had roots in politics as he planned to oust Clark.

In 1983, his efforts finally worked when he became Progressive leader Conservative Party.

“Together we will build a brand new party and a brand new country,” he said at the time.

After a successful campaign, Mulroney became Prime Minister on September 17, 1983.

During his time, Mulroney became a controversial figure, known for tackling some of the most challenging issues of his time.

“Mr. Mulroney has made some very difficult decisions that people only appreciate in retrospect,” former diplomat and former Mulroney chief of staff Derek Burney said. CTV News.

Mulroney helped build strong international ties for the country as he opposed apartheid and imposed sanctions on South Africa.

FRIEND AND ADVISOR TO US PRESIDENTS

He also developed a close relationship with former US President George HW Bush, who served as a critical advisor during Desert Storm – the US-led invasion to liberate Kuwait.

As the U.S. determined a strategy to take military action against Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, Mulroney urged Bush to build a strong international consensus that would include support from the United Nations and NATO.

“You have to have consensus,” Mulroney told Bush at the time, adding that without a U.N. resolution, Canada “could not support this initiative.”

Mulroney advised the president to seek out other foreign leaders, including the French and Britain.

Bush also confided to the Canadian leader that he was under pressure from his own government and members of Congress to take military action.

“When you’re up 72-0, it’s not time for the long bomb,” Mulroney told him.

Bush often sought Mulroney’s advice on issues related to the Cold War and even invited him to Camp David, making Mulroney the last guest of Bush’s presidency to visit the retreat.

After Bush died in 2018, Mulroney was one of four people chosen to deliver a eulogy at his funeral.

“George Bush was a man of many achievements, but he also had a wonderful sense of humor and was a lot of fun,” Mulroney said at the time.

He recalled a time when Bush invited him to Walker’s Point Estate, the summer Bush withdrawal family.

“As I looked across the waters of Walker’s Point on that golden September afternoon in Maine, I was reminded of the lines, simple and true, that speak of the real nature of the world. George Bush and his love for his wonderful family and loved ones,” said Mulroney.

“There are wooden ships, there are sailing ships, there are ships that sail the sea. But the best ships are friendships, and may they always remain so.”

Mulroney and his wife Mila were also close to Nancy and Ronald Reagan.

This friendship led to an iconic moment known as the Shamrock Summit in March 1985, when the Mulroneys hosted the President and First Lady in Quebec City to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day.

At the end of the evening, both couples sang the well-known When Irish Eyes Are Smiling, a light-hearted tribute to Ireland.

Mulroney and Regan both intended to celebrate their shared Irish heritage, but Mulroney was heavily criticized in the Canadian press for “sucking up Reagan.”

TOUCHING TRIBUTE

If news When Mulroney’s death became public, several public figures paid tribute.

“Brian Mulroney loved Canada. I am devastated to hear of his passing,” wrote current Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

“He never stopped working for Canadians, and he always strived to make money this country an even better place to call home. I will never forget the insights he shared with me over the years: he was generous, tireless and incredibly passionate.”

Trudeau asked others to keep it Mulroney’s family and friends in their prayers.

Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, called Mulroney a political giant.

“I had the opportunity to get to know Mr. Mulroney. He became a friend and someone I could rely on for advice. He didn’t let politics get in his way and was focused on making Canada a better place to make.” Fraser wrote on X.

“Canada is better for Mr. Mulroney’s service and dedication to public life, and I am sincerely sorry to hear of his passing.”

6

6

6