An RCMP honour guard has gingerly delivered the flag-shrouded casket of Brian Mulroney to a cavernous hall across from Parliament Hill.
Members of Mulroney’s family were promptly left alone to pay their respects as two days of the former prime minister lying in state got underway.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stood solemnly alongside family members outside the Sir John A. Macdonald building as the casket was carried inside.
Members of the public who wish to pay tribute to Mulroney will be able to visit his casket in person beginning this afternoon.
In the meantime, dignitaries including Trudeau, the Governor General and cabinet ministers will spend the morning offering condolences to the family.
On Monday, Mulroney’s wife and children sat in the House of Commons gallery to hear glowing tributes and funny stories from politicians across the partisan spectrum.
Well-wishers can visit between 12:30 and 6 p.m. today or from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday and sign a book of condolences.
Security screening is required for visitors and several downtown streets near Parliament Hill are closed.
The public will also be able to pay their respects at Montreal’s St. Patrick’s Basilica on Thursday and Friday.
A state funeral will be held Saturday morning at Notre-Dame Basilica, with eulogies from Caroline Mulroney, Jean Charest and Wayne Gretzky.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 19, 2024.
The Canadian Press
