Canada holds state funeral to honor Brian Mulroney, one of its most consequential prime ministers
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Politicians, dignitaries, and celebrities attended a state funeral in Montreal to honor Brian Mulroney, one of Canada's most consequential prime ministers. Mulroney, who died on February 29 at age 84, served as prime minister for nine years between 1984 and 1993 and led the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada. His legacy includes the North American Free Trade Agreement, his participation in the fight against South African apartheid, the 1991 acid rain accord with the U.S., and the introduction of an unpopular sales tax. The funeral followed four days of public tributes in Montreal and Ottawa. Mulroney had enduring friendships with former U.S. Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush and eulogized both at their funerals. He played a key role in developing a free-trade treaty with the U.S., which led to a permanent realignment of the Canadian economy and increased north-south trade. Despite leaving office with the lowest approval rating in Canadian history, prime ministers sought his advice in the years after his departure.
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