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
Ontario to ban use of cellphones in school classrooms starting in September
Ontario is introducing a suite of measures that will crack down on cellphone use and vaping in schools.
BREAKING Quebec to invest $603 million to protect the French language
Quebec will invest $603 million over five years to counter the decline of French in the province, French Language Minister Jean-Francois Roberge announced Sunday.
'Do not consume': Gift Chocolate recalled due to undeclared milk, soy
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has issued a recall for a specific chocolate brand sold in Ontario and Quebec.
Kitchener family says their 10-year-old needs life-saving drug that cost $600,000
Raneem, 10, lives with a neurological condition and liver disease and needs Cholbam, a medication, for a longer and healthier life.
Invasive and toxic hammerhead worms make themselves at home in Ontario
Ontario is now home to an invasive and toxic worm species that can grow up to three feet long and can be dangerous to small animals and pets.
Murder charge laid after man falls to death from Toronto apartment balcony
One person has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of a man who fell from a balcony following an altercation inside a Toronto apartment building.
Dozens in Italy give a fascist salute on the anniversary of Mussolini's execution
Dozens of people raised their arms in the fascist salute and shouted a fascist chant during ceremonies Sunday to honor Italian dictator Benito Mussolini on the 79th anniversary of his execution.
Zendaya tennis movie ‘Challengers’ scores at weekend box office
Zendaya and castmates Mike Faist and Josh O’Connor have been on a globetrotting press tour to get the word out about Italian director Luca Guadagnino's original film, which opened in 3,477 locations in the U.S. and Canada.
What is a 'halal mortgage'? Does it make housing more accessible?
The 2024 federal budget announced on April 16 included plans to introduce “halal mortgages” as a way to increase access to home ownership.