State funeral for Brian Mulroney to be held March 23

A state funeral for former prime minister Brian Mulroney will be held on Saturday, March 23 in Montreal, the Prime Minister's Office announced Tuesday.

Mulroney will lie in state in Ottawa and lie in repose in Montreal prior to the funeral. The Prime Minister's Office said more details will be provided "in due course."

"Brian Mulroney never stopped working for Canada. He was a champion of the values that unite us as Canadians and will forever be remembered as a force for the common good," Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a statement. "His funeral will provide an opportunity to honour his incredible legacy — one that will continue to shape our country for generations to come."

Mulroney died on Thursday at age 84 at a Palm Beach, Fla. hospital surrounded by his family. He was the leader of the Progressive Conservative party and served as Canada's 18th prime minister from 1984 to 1993.

WATCH | At Issue | How Brian Mulroney changed Canada

At Issue | How Brian Mulroney changed Canada

9 months ago

Duration 10:08

Looking back at the legacy of Brian Mulroney, a former prime minister who is remembered for the humanity of his politics and his willingness to tackle big issues, as well as major — and divisive — moves on taxes and trade.

He is remembered for being the leader who inaugurated a new age in trade relations with the United States, first through the Canada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement and later through the first version of the North American Free Trade Agreement.

Parliamentarians are expected to pay tribute Mulroney in the House of Commons when MPs return to Ottawa on March 18 after a two-week break.

State funerals are special public events reserved for eminent Canadians, including former prime ministers.

Lying in repose is a term used for when the casket of a former prime minister or Governor General lies anywhere other than on the Hill.