Former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney who took historic steps for Tamils dies at 84
Because of his historic steps, now Canada has a 300,000 strong Tamil-Canadian community.
Former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney died on Feb 29. He was 84.
The country’s 18th prime minister died peacefully and surrounded by family, daughter Caroline Mulroney said in a post on X.
Mulroney forged close ties with two Republican U.S. presidents through a sweeping free trade agreement that was once vilified but is now celebrated.
His government also had taken very bold steps to allow Tamil refugees in Canada.
Mulroney’s family said last summer he was improving daily after a heart procedure that followed treatment for prostate cancer in early 2023.
A family spokesman said Mulroney died at a hospital in Palm Beach, Florida, where he was being treated after a recent fall.
Leader of the Progressive Conservative party from 1983 to 1993, Mulroney served almost a decade as prime minister after he was first elected in 1984 after snagging the largest majority in Canadian history with 211 of 282 seats.
The win would mark Canada’s first Conservative majority government in 26 years. His government was reelected in 1988.
Upon his passing, Canadians remembered his impact. That includes political leaders, from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Ontario Premier Doug Ford, to former Prime Minister Stephen Harper, to go along with international figures like Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Canadian government under his leadership had taken remarkable steps, paving the way for the Tamil refugees to start a new life in Canada.
His government on Aug 11, 1986 rescued 155 Tamils, who were found drifting off the shores of St. Shotts, Newfoundland by three local finishing boats, and allowed them to start living in this North American country.
It was also a turning point in Canadian refugee and immigration history.
This is a special day not only for Tamil-Canadians and Newfoundlanders, but for all Canadians alike.
Because of his historic steps, now Canada has a 300,000 strong Tamil-Canadian community.
