Simcoe County politicians honour former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney
After the death of former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, tributes are pouring in across the country, including from many leaders in Simcoe County.
Barrie-Innisfil MP John Brassard shared a photo of himself with the late Prime Minister on social media.
"You know he was such a consequential figure in Canadian history. Like everyone else, I'm shocked and saddened by this," Brassard said to CTV News. "I know that he'd been not feeling well over the last couple of years and had been dealing with some health scares, but like the rest of the nation, I'm shocked by the news of the passing of former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney."
Mulroney's death was shared on social media by his daughter, York-Simcoe MPP Caroline Mulroney.
Brassard says it was actually the late prime minister who sparked his interest in joining the Conservative movement when he was just 18 years old. He says he had incomparable communication ability, largely crediting that with his electoral success.
"There are numerous stories…about Prime Minister Mulroney reaching out, it didn't matter if you were Liberal, NDP, Conservative; I've heard stories from my colleagues where maybe things weren't going for them particularly well at a certain moment they'd get a phone call from Brian Mulroney just trying to cheer them up," said Brassard.
"I think you know this country could use a little bit more of what Brian Mulroney did, and that is to reach across lines, you know, to unite our country for a common cause and purpose," Brassard added.
Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall also took to social media on Thursday evening, sharing a photo of himself with Mulroney.
"Canadians have lost a giant today," read part of Nuttall's post.
Condolences to the Mulroney family also came from Barrie-Springwater-Oro Medonte MP Doug Shipley.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.