Life's Soundtrack: 11-83 (23/3/24) -- Senior Statesman Farewell

Today Canada said goodbye to a "nation builder" (as stated by Jean Charest), The Right Honourable Brian Mulroney. I respected and admired this man regardless of his political bent. The state funeral had an indelible personal touch. He was a consequential (CBC term) and controversial leader who led his party, the country, the Commonwealth and the world into key policy decisions. He laid the ground for the new territory of Nunavut, negotiated the first free trade agreement with the US (NAFTA), renegotiated the NORAD treaty, proposed the Meech Lake Accord (which was not accepted by all provinces and territories), brought in the GST (Goods and Services Tax) to bring the federal budget into a healthier place just to name a few. Three larger issues should be noted, too. He stood against other Commonwealth nations by condemning apartheid in South Africa, which helped lead to the release of Mandela, who was made an honourary Canadian after his release. Mulroney focused on environmental issues long before other nations were doing so. He pressured Reagan to sign an agreement to reduce acid rain and work to repair the ozone layer of the atmosphere.

The event that I have felt strongly about since it began in the 1980s was Canada's role in leading the UN to address the famine in Ethiopia under the Marxist regime of the time. I included this piece of Canadian history in one of the courses I taught at the university, since it isn't something that one finds in history texts. Canada broke the news to the world of just how bad things were in the Eritrean area of the north. Mulroney had just begun his first term as Prime Minister when this news came across his desk. To me, it was one of the early signs that he was willing to make the difficult decisions. In his eulogy, current Prime Minister Trudeau quoted Mulroney on leadership -- "Leaders must have vision, and they must find the courage to fight for the policies that will give that vision life." In short, Mulroney "changed the course of history" (from the eulogy given by his daughter Caroline).

Mulroney was a true elder statesman -- being non-partisan as he provided support, guidance and advice to politicians of all stripes, business leaders and friends and family. He was known for his phone calls. He spoke to each of his four children daily. He was also often the first to call people to speak to them in times of success, failure or personal loss.

He had a great sense of humour and an amazing command of language -- in both official languages. Besides major political speeches, on the world stage Mulroney gave eulogies for Ronald Reagan, Margaret Thatcher and George H.W. Bush.

He loved music. The ceremony involved an eclectic mix. The processional was the aria 'La Wally' -- a perfect choice for saying farewell, especially with the line about the snow. (there was a major snowfall underway when the cortege was going from St. Patrick's Basilica to Notre Dame Basilica -- lots of black clothing with accumulating snow on shoulders and hats). During the ceremony a series of lovely classical pieces were performed by a choir and string orchestra. Popular secular music told a story of the man with both English and French songs involved. His grand-daughter sang one of his favourite songs, the beautiful "Mais qu'est-ce que j'ai" She was joined by a tenor to sing another of Mulroney's favourites -- one he sang with Ronald Reagan back in the day -- 'When Irish eyes are smiling". The surprise here was the final verse being sung by Brian Mulroney. He had recorded a CD recently to leave for his younger grandchildren to hear him and the songs. The Tenors also provided a wonderful rendition of "Danny Boy." I'll admit to laughing at one point. He had such a great sense of humour and timing. The recessional began with a bright and bouncy piano and then the singing began -- it was from Mulroney's recent recording. He sang "We'll Meet Again" as the casket and entourage exited the basilica. Leave 'em with a smile. <grin>

I was able to hear him speak several times as he was a graduate of St. Francis Xavier University and also held an honourary doctorate from there (as does his wife, Mila). His way with words and careful responses to questions was great to witness. He raised funds for a building to house the Mulroney Institute of Government -- a large modernist building in the middle of campus. The main hallway of the building holds much memorabilia including a replica of his prime ministerial office. Walking down that hall is like walking through history.

I chose two songs to share today. The first was sung at the funeral and fits Mulroney's approach to people and his willingness to play the 'long game' and not look for short term solutions. The second was the song sung during the processional into the basilica -- a fitting farewell. I have included links below to the lyrics in English and the original languages. Keep safe. Enjoy!

Quand les hommes vivront l'amour -- Marie Denise Pelletier

https://french-to-english.net/song-translation-quand-les-hommes-vivront-damour/