Brian Mulroney will have a 'right and fitting tribute,' says Trudeau

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Friday the state funeral for the late Brian Mulroney will be a "right and fitting tribute" for a titan of Canadian politics.

Mulroney, Canada's 18th prime minister, died peacefully surrounded by his family, his daughter Caroline Mulroney said Thursday. A family spokesperson said Mulroney died in a Palm Beach hospital, where he'd been since a recent fall.

"He marked the history of this country, he marked the present of this country and it is right that we all are reflecting on him and his family today and for many days to come," Trudeau said Friday morning.

The prime minister said planning is underway for a state funeral, a special public event reserved for eminent Canadians, including former prime ministers.

"We're working with the family closely to ensure that all of their wishes are respected and that it be the right and fitting tribute to him," said Trudeau.

Trudeau said there also will be opportunities for the public to offer their condolences.

Flags are flying at half-mast on government buildings, including the Peace Tower in Ottawa, and a book of condolences has been set up for members of Parliament to sign.

"Canada is in mourning," said Liberal House leader Steve MacKinnon.

Mulroney, a charismatic leader from Baie-Comeau, Que., led the country and the Progressive Conservatives from 1984 to 1993.

Mulroney pursued politics in a way that earned him devoted supporters — and equally passionate critics. He's remembered as gifted public speaker with a unmistakable baritone, and a skilled politician.

As prime minister, he improved Canada's relationship with the U.S while brokering a free trade deal. Through his close friendship with U.S. President Ronald Reagan, he pushed for an acid rain treaty to curb the sulfur dioxide emissions that were destroying waterways and signed a North American air defence modernization agreement to better protect the continent from a ballistic missile attack.

Domestically, he pushed for constitutional reforms to secure Quebec's signature on Canada's supreme law — an effort he defended as a way to unite Canada from the separatist movement, but which ultimately failed.

He also introduced a national sales tax to raise funds against ballooning budget deficits, privatized some Crown corporations and stood strongly against racial apartheid in South Africa.

Despite being dogged by corruption allegations after leaving politics, he worked to rehabilitate his legacy and was known to provide advice to a new generation of politicians.