Canadian politicians honour Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela is being remembered in Canada for his wisdom, and his devotion to fighting injustice.

“The world has lost one of its great moral leaders and statesmen,” Prime Minister Stephen Harper said Thursday.

“He demonstrated that the only path forward for the nation was to reject the appeal of bitterness,” said Harper, who described Mandela’s forbearance as “legendary.”

An honorary Canadian citizen, Mandela died Thursday at age 95.

NDP Leader Tom Mulcair called Mandela an intelligent man who cared for his people.

“He was a source of inspiration for all — from the most humble and impoverished to the world’s most powerful,” Mulcair said in a statement.

“The light that he brought to the world will continue to shine long after him.”

Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau added that Mandela offered hope and inspiration to millions.

“Truly a citizen of the world, Nelson Mandela’s contribution to world freedom is simply unparalleled, and he will forever occupy a place in the hearts, minds and imaginations of people across the globe.”

Reactions to Mandela’s death from all corners of Canada immediately streamed onto social media.

On Twitter, former Liberal leader Bob Rae called Mandela a truly great man who was simple and direct.

“Disciplined, passionate, caring, funny, courageous, compassionate, generous” were some of the other words Rae used to describe Mandela.

Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne said Mandela’s life will continue to serve as a beacon for change.

“There are few people who have done more to inspire the world than Nelson Mandela, and I am deeply saddened to learn of his death,” Wynne said in a statement.

Junior foreign affairs minister Deepak Obhrai, born and raised in Tanzania, also offered some of the federal government’s initial condolences.

“He had a profound, profound impact on my life,” said Obhrai.

“Mr. Mandela stood for the dignity of the human being, and his legacy and achievement is … the tremendous march forward for South Africa after a very bitter division.”

Nelson Mandela’s ties to Canada were forged long before he earned global praise for his role in bringing an end to apartheid rule in South Africa. Here are some key events that helped cement his relationship with Canada:

1986: Canada implements trade sanctions against South Africa, curtailing a relationship valued at the time at $500 million.

Feb. 11, 1990: Mandela is released from prison after 27 years behind bars on Robben Island.

Feb. 12, 1990: Prime Minister Brian Mulroney sends Mandela a letter inviting him to visit Canada and offering him help to build a new, non-racial South African democracy.

June 17, 1990: Mandela arrives in Canada for his first visit to the country. Mulroney announces the establishment of a $5 million fund to help relocate South African exiles. Mandela addresses parliament in Ottawa.

Sept. 24, 1993: Mandela requests Canada lift economic sanctions against South Africa during a speech to the United Nations. Hours later, External Affairs Minister Perrin Beatty announces Ottawa would comply.

Sept. 24, 1998: At the start of Mandela’s second visit to Canada, he is made an honorary Companion of the Order of Canada. Mandela was one of only a handful of people born outside of Canada to be inducted into the order.

Sept. 25, 1998: Mandela addresses a rally of more than 40,000 students at Toronto’s Sky Dome with Prime Minister Jean Chretien and other dignitaries in attendance.

Nov. 17, 2001: Mandela begins a three-day visit to Canada by attending a ceremony to rename a Toronto public school after him. He and his wife Graca Machel later receive honorary degrees from Toronto’s Ryerson University.

Nov. 19, 2001: Mandela becomes the first living person to be made an honorary citizen of Canada.