BURST
A new elementary school set to open in August will be named after former Conservative prime minister Brian Mulroney, the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) announced on Friday.
Education Minister Paul Calandra said the board’s newest elementary school will be named Brian Mulroney Elementary School, in honour of Canada’s 18th prime minister and his lasting contributions to Canada and the world.
The school will welcome close to 700 students when it opens and will be the first public school in Canada named after Brian Mulroney.
“Brian Mulroney was one of the most consequential leaders in modern Canadian history,” said Calandra. “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.”
Mulroney’s daughter, Caroline Mulroney, who has just stepped down as Ontario’s Treasury Board president and MPP for Ontario’s York-Simcoe riding, said her family is “deeply honoured” by the naming of the school.
“We are grateful that future generations of students will carry this legacy as they learn and grow within its walls,” she said in a social media post.
My family and I are deeply honoured that a new school in Orléans will open this fall bearing my father’s name.
— Caroline Mulroney (@C_Mulroney) June 5, 2026
With strong English and French programming, it reflects his lifelong belief that bilingualism strengthens Canada and helps bring communities together.
He dedicated his… https://t.co/HhE2EpS0rI
The Rt. Hon. Brian Mulroney served as prime minister from September 17, 1984, to June 25, 1993, and passed away on February 29, 2024.
Caroline Mulroney said in a letter to constituents that her father’s death two years ago, as well as her four grown children leaving home, were major factors in her decision to leave Ontario’s legislature.
She said in the letter: “Two years ago, I lost my father. Last year, my husband Andrew and I became empty nesters. These are the kinds of moments that clarify what matters. Together, they have led me to the conclusion that now is the right time to step back from elected life and begin a new chapter, one I am genuinely excited about.”
I was honoured to make my final announcement as York—Simcoe’s MPP in Bradford, where I shared progress on bringing care closer to home in the community.
— Caroline Mulroney (@C_Mulroney) June 4, 2026
Thank you, York—Simcoe, for eight incredible years! 💙 pic.twitter.com/5eg8h5idNp
The OCDSB has previously named seven schools after Canadian prime ministers and governors general, as well as after Sir Winston Churchill, Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth II.
The school is located in Ottawa’s east urban community near Mer Bleue and serves a growing area with a strong francophone presence.
In a news release, the OCDSB said the naming of the school recognizes 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.
“Teaching Canadian history is an important element of our curriculum. I hope the students of Brian Mulroney Elementary School and students across the OCDSB district will be inspired to learn more about Canada and the importance of public service,” said OCDSB Supervisor Robert Plamondon.
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