Loud applause and enthusiastic cheers from hundreds of little Mulroney Muskrats' echoed through a brand-new gymnasium on October 14th as Brian Mulroney Elementary School celebrated its official opening ceremony. Students from Junior Kindergarten through Grade 5 packed the assembly to mark a proud milestone in Canadian educational history.
The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board's newest school in Orleans holds the special distinction of being the first public school in Canada named in honour of the nation's 18th prime minister.
The inauguration brought together OCDSB leadership, students, educators, and community leaders alongside members of the Mulroney family and the Honourable Paul Calandra, Minister of Education, OCDSB Supervisor Robert Plamondon and CEO Stacey Kay.
Ontario Minister of Education Paul Calandra paid tribute to Mulroney, describing him as "somebody who helped Canadians understand that not only could we compete with anybody, but that we had so much to be proud of as a country." The Minister also recalled personal moments of encouragement he received from the former leader during his own career.
"You will remember this day the rest of your lives. You are not only the first students of a school named in honour of one of Canada's greatest prime ministers, you are hearing today from Mila Mulroney, his closest and most trusted advisor, his life partner, who has also made enormous contributions to Canada", said Robert Plamondon.
For the late prime minister's family, the site carries profound meaning. "A school bearing Brian Mulroney's name that stands in Ottawa means such a great deal to all of us," said Mila Mulroney, during the opening ceremony. Joined by all four of her children, she expressed deep gratitude to the school community: "Thank you very much for honoring our family this way." Mrs. Mulroney shared stories with the assembly about her late husband's legacy as Canada's "greenest prime minister," highlighting his historic environmental policies.
Reflecting on those values, Stacey Kay noted that the modern facility was built on eco-friendly infrastructure and a commitment to environmental stewardship, making it a natural and lasting tribute to its namesake. "Right Honourable Brian Mulroney's legacy of public service, environmental stewardship, and dedication to nation-building serves as a daily inspiration for our students to lead with vision, empathy, and purpose," said the OCDSB CEO.
Principal Aaron Hawley added that having grown up during Mulroney's tenure, "It's really neat all these years later to be part of a school community that bears his name."
