Parry Sound-Muskoka MP Scott Aitchison recently reflected on former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, who passed away on February 29 at the age of 84.
Aitchison released the following statement via social media shortly after Mulroney’s passing:
“Shortly after I was elected to Parliament, I had the opportunity to meet Prime Minister Brian Mulroney and his beloved wife Mila for the first time.
The Prime Minister quickly asked me what riding I represented.
‘Prime Minister, I represent Stan Darling country’ I replied. He beamed as he regaled me with a catalogue of warm and colourful memories of our former MP here in Parry Sound-Muskoka. He summed up his stories with a beautiful tribute to Stan, assuring me that it was because of Stan’s dogged persistence that he and President Ronald Regan negotiated and signed the historic Acid Rain Treaty.
The next time we spoke, was when he called me after the Conservative Party Leadership Debate in Edmonton. I had no idea who was calling me, but when that distinct baritone voice declared ‘Scott, it’s Brian Mulroney calling,’ I was speechless. I will never forget the kind praise and generous encouragement he gave me that day, and continued to offer every time we spoke subsequently.
Brian Mulroney the Prime Minister transformed our nation with bold ideas.
Brian Mulroney the statesman helped shape the post Cold War world, bending its arc to freedom, human rights and democracy for all people.
I will always be grateful for the time, wisdom and encouragement he shared with me.
My thoughts are with the entire Mulroney family.
Canada has lost a giant.”
Mulroney served as Canada’s 18th Prime Minister between 1984 and 1993. He died peacefully surrounded by his family.
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