Canada’s 18th prime minister, Brian Mulroney, was an icon who stirred up a strong reaction during and after his term. Born into a working-class Quebec family in Bei-Comeau, Mulroney showed his first taste for politics when he became an adviser to Conservative Prime Minister John Diefenbaker as a university student in 1975. Mulroney lost his first bid as he would get into the Progressive Conservative leadership, but he went on to win Wing it for Mulroney that historic election victory that year
What were Mulroney’s key achievements?
Mulroney’s many accomplishments during his tenure as prime minister were widely recognized. Mulroney was a fierce opponent of apartheid on the international stage. He imposed sanctions on South Africa, and rallied other countries to this policy. Mulroney’s close ties to Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush ordered Canada and the U.S. relations, leading to landmark agreements such as the North American Free Trade Agreement. Mulroney was an environmental champion, securing an acid rain deal and introducing a goods and services tax. It remains part of the Canadian tax system today, despite the GST controversy.
What challenges did Mulroney face?
Mulroney had to overcome many obstacles during his tenure as Prime Minister. The Treaty of Meech Lake and Charlottetown to unite Quebec failed miserably. This divided Canadians. It fell to its lowest level in Mulroney’s second term, partly due to the GST tax as well as the recession. Mulroney announced his resignation as his support rapidly dwindled. As a result, Kim Campbell became Canada’s first female prime minister.
Who ended up with Brian Mulroney?
Controversy marred Brian Mulroney’s post-political career. Initially accused by the RCMP of accepting kickbacks in the Airbus scandal – later approved and rewarded by the government – the disclosure of $300,000.00 in private payments by German-Canadian arms dealer Karlheinz Schreiber cast doubt on his assets in a 2010 An investigation which they did concluded that their financial transactions were improper and further damaged his estate.
What is Mulroney’s legacy today?
Mulroney’s trade deals and environmental policies have left a lasting mark on his standing in Canada, and around the world. It also signaled his involvement in the global stewardship industry by transforming their two economies. Mulroney has been a respected senior politician since he left politics in 2013. He often questions himself and defends his record from those in power. His legacy reflects the significant accomplishments of a lifetime and the severe obstacles he faced in the service of his country.
How did Canada react to Mulroney’s death?
The news of Brian Mulroney’s death at the age of 84 triggered sadness and reflection in Canada. The Government set aside in his honor, politicians from all walks of life paid tribute to him. Mulroney’s career was not without controversy, but he played a key role in the development of modern Canadian politics. His death marks the end of an era.
