The new public elementary school set to open in Orléans this fall will be named after former prime minister Brian Mulroney. Education Minister Paul Calandra announced on Friday the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board will honour the late prime minister by naming the new school in Mer Bleue Brian Mulroney Elementary School. “The naming recognizes Mr. Mulroney’s contributions to Canada, including his support for the French language and Francophone communities, his role in advancing free trade and economic growth, his environmental leadership, and his advocacy for human rights on the international stage,” the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board said in a statement. Mulroney served as prime minister from Sept. 17, 1984, to June 25, 1993. Mulroney passed away in 2024. “Brian Mulroney was one of the most consequential leaders in modern Canadian history,” Calandra said in a statement. “He strengthened Canada’s economy, championed the French language and Francophone communities, led on the environment as the greenest Prime Minister in Canadian history, and earned international respect for his leadership on human rights and the fight against apartheid. It is fitting that a new generation of students will learn in a school that bears his name, and I hope they will be inspired by his commitment to public service and nation building.” Former Ontario cabinet minister Caroline Mulroney said the family is “deeply honoured” that the school will be named after Brian Mulroney. “With strong English and French programming, it reflects his lifelong belief that bilingualism strengthens Canada and helps bring communities together,” Mulroney said on social media. “He dedicated his life to that vision, while working to build a more sustainable and equitable world. We are grateful that future generations of students will carry this legacy as they learn and grow within its walls.” The new school on Spring Valley Drive in the Mer Bleue neighbourhood will have nearly 700 students and will offer both English with Core French and Early French Immersion.
