Martin Mulroney was a Canadian lawyer, businessman, and politician who served as the 18th Prime Minister of Canada from 1984 to 1993. Mulroney studied political science and law before moving to Montreal, where he became a prominent labour lawyer, negotiating for major companies. His political career began with the Cliche Commission, which investigated corruption in Quebec's construction industry. He became a leading Conservative organizer and fundraiser, and although he placed third in the 1976 Progressive Conservative leadership election, he was appointed president of the Iron Ore Company of Canada in 1977. In 1983, Mulroney became the leader of the Progressive Conservatives and led the party to a historic victory in the 1984 federal election, winning 211 seats and over 50% of the popular vote. His time as Prime Minister included significant economic reforms, such as the Canada-US Free Trade Agreement and the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST). He also oversaw the privatization of 23 Crown corporations, including Air Canada. Mulroney was active in foreign policy, strengthening ties with the United States and opposing apartheid in South Africa. However, his attempts to address Quebec separatism through the Meech Lake and Charlottetown Accords were unsuccessful, contributing to the rise of the Bloc Québécois. After leaving office in 1993, Mulroney remained influential in Canadian and international affairs, becoming a senior partner at Norton Rose Fulbright and serving on various corporate boards. His autobiography, "Memoirs," was a bestseller in 2007. Mulroney passed away on February 29, 2024. His legacy is complex, marked by significant economic reforms and ongoing debates about their social impacts. He received the Woodrow Wilson Award for Public Service in 2003, reflecting his contributions to public service and international relations.
