IISD Mourns the Loss of Brian Mulroney

Winnipeg — The International Institute for Sustainable Development is deeply saddened at the passing of The Right Honorable Brian Mulroney, former Prime Minister of Canada (1984 – 93).

It was in 1988 that Mulroney announced the creation of IISD at the United Nations, promising “Mankind is not destined to destroy itself; war is not inevitable; poverty can be alleviated; the environment can be preserved; injustices can be made right.”

These powerful words have continued to drive IISD for more than 30 years, as we strive to fulfill this commitment and create a world where people and the planet thrive.

In 1987, Mulroney played an integral role in convincing more than 40 world leaders to drastically cut the use of ozone-destroying CFCs, signing what would become known as the Montreal Protocol (since then, more than 150 other nations have signed the treaty).

A year later, he hosted the landmark World Climate Change Conference in Toronto, a conference that represented a major stepping stone in getting climate change on the global agenda. And in 1991, Mulroney signed the Canada-United States Air Quality Agreement with President George H. W. Bush to reduce pollution caused by acid rain.

“Brian Mulroney was a visionary when it comes to the environment, and we are proud to be part of his legacy,” said Patricia Fuller, IISD President and CEO. “We are filled with profound sadness at his passing, and express our deepest condolences to his wife Mila, and to his family.”

He is survived by his wife and four children, Caroline, Ben, Mark, and Nicholas.