Opinion: Mulroney pays tribute to a lesson in civility for today’s politicians

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The traditional ceremonies and honors marking the passing of former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney were richly deserved. They concluded with an emotional funeral in the Notre-Dame Basilica. Once again, our majestic and historic city rose to the occasion with its subtle touch of class and dignity.

The praise came in addition to a fitting tribute to the former prime minister’s notable achievements during his tenure: his role as an environmental trailblazer and international leader in the global initiative on climate change and biodiversity protection; his decisive intervention in the fight against acid rain; his pioneering initiative in our main environmental statutes; the implementation of NAFTA and free trade with the United States and Mexico; and the adoption of the GST.

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And perhaps his most important achievement: his key role in blessing the world with the freedom and exemplary wisdom of Nelson Mandela, which will continue to inspire future generations.

In a personal capacity, I was Minister of the Environment of Quebec when we established the Saint Lawrence Commission, chaired by the eminent Camille Dagenais. One of her main recommendations was the creation of a comprehensive long-term cleanup plan for our sacred river. This would require a significant contribution from the federal government. For quite some time I negotiated with my federal counterpart, but to no avail. I understand that it was Mulroney’s intervention that made the federal grant possible.

We raised a $100 million fund over five years and Mulroney decided to attend the launch of the program in the Port of Montreal. Started in 1988, the San Lorenzo Action Plan has endured over time, with federal participation being renewed every five years.

Additionally, again thanks to Mulroney’s intervention, a $10 million grant was added for the creation of the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park. It took a decade for jurisdictional discussions between Quebec and the federal government to be concluded, but since June 1998 the marine park is a cherished reality and a testament to the cooperation between Canada and Quebec.

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The tributes from both notables and grassroots have been continuous and widespread. I was struck by the large number of them who have highlighted not the political achievements, however impressive they may have been, but the human quality and loving treatment, that dimension of the heart and understanding of the other, without which successes lose their true meaning. .

In fact, Caroline Mulroney’s beautiful and emotional tribute to her father highlighted his human side, his deep love for family, his memory of his humble origins, his attachment to his Irish roots and that sharp sense of humor present until the end.

He also mentioned his love for Quebec and Canada. No doubt it was her deep sense that this dual bond was not only compatible but complementary that gave her the courage to dare, when others might have chosen to conveniently avoid the political risk. Although they failed, in large part due to the formidable complexity of our Constitution’s amendment provisions, the Meech Lake and Charlottetown Accords must be considered courageous and imaginative attempts at national reconciliation.

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A friend told me how encouraging it was to hear a common positive message of appreciation and recognition, while leaving aside the epithets and puns that too often plague our political and social discourse. In that sense, it was encouraging to see political leaders of opposing ideologies and parties share the spotlight not in competition or confrontation, but in mutual homage.

It is undoubtedly illusory to expect that this climate of political civility and positive acceptance of others can last. However, how comforting to witness such a climate of genuine cooperation and understanding! I wish those leaders and politicians who practice the negative would realize that what the bases and voters seek above all else is a politics of confrontation that accepts differences that do not belittle or diminish.

On the contrary, consideration and respect for others uplift and empower, and this was the lesson of the recent tributes to Mulroney.

Clifford Lincoln resigned from the Quebec cabinet in 1988 over the use of the notwithstanding clause in Bill 178. He later served as a federal MP. He lives in Baie-D’Urfé.

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