Madam Chair, I will be splitting my time.

It is an honour to stand in this place and look back on the legacy of Canada's 18th prime minister, the late Right Hon. Brian Mulroney.

I would like to begin by extending my deepest condolences to his wife of almost 52 years, Mila, to their children, Caroline, Ben, Mark and Nicolas, and to his 16 grandchildren.

My prayers and the prayers of a grateful nation are with you, Prime Minister Mulroney.

Before and since his passing on February 29, I have heard many wonderful stories from Canadians recounting their interactions with Prime Minister Mulroney. There is a recurring theme.

It is kindness, compassion and humility.

I had the honour of meeting Prime Minister Mulroney on several occasions throughout the years, and my conversations with him were always enlightening. I feel the PM and I were kindred spirits. We both grew up in small towns and came from modest beginnings. We have Irish heritage. Our fathers were both electricians and we both eventually became lawyers. We each have four children: He had three boys and a girl; I have three girls and a boy. They are adults, parents and professionals in their own right now. His children are a proud legacy and loving support now for Mila.

Despite the understandable pride in his achievements, Prime Minister Mulroney never forgot where he came from. He had a remarkable and uniquely natural ability to connect with people. He had an impeccable memory and could recall names, faces and details of a person years after meeting them.

I remember one time when I was a minister before. I was in the parliamentary dining room in Centre Block. I was at the table next to Prime Minister Mulroney. He was meeting with some of his old colleagues from the Senate. People kept coming up, wanting their picture with him. People were bringing their kids in. Old colleagues and new were coming in to get their pictures, and he finally stood up and straightened his tie, Rodney Dangerfield-style, and said, “You know, I used to be a somebody around here. Anyone else want my picture?” He could then return and have his nice conversation with his lunch mates.

He possessed a sense of humour that set him apart, and he was fiercely loyal to his family, his colleagues and his country. His caring and personal touch bred great loyalty in all those lucky enough to call him “boss” over his lifetime.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of Prime Minister Mulroney's first election victory, the largest majority in Canadian history. He was the second of only two Conservative leaders to win back-to-back majorities. For nine years, Prime Minister Mulroney led his caucus with strength and our nation with courage and unwavering resolve. He was a skilled negotiator and consensus builder, believing strongly in constructive public discourse. He was a staunch defender of Canadian values.

From his signing of the North American Free Trade Agreement, the first of its kind, to his fight to end apartheid, Prime Minister Mulroney's achievements here at home and on the international stage strengthened our place in the world, laying the foundation for a more competitive and prosperous Canada. He is the architect of modern Canada in every sense of the word. Prime Minister Mulroney will be remembered as a great Canadian statesman, and history will judge his political and personal record with admiration. At the signing of the Atlantic accord, he famously said, “I am not afraid to inflict prosperity” on the people of Atlantic Canada.

Rest in peace, Prime Minister Mulroney, and thank you for your service to our country and to the Conservative movement.

My prayers and thoughts are with the remarkable extended Mulroney family and close friends.

Kerry-Lynne Findlay

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