3 former PMs to accompany Stephen Harper to pay final respects to Mandela
Posted December 7, 2013 11:16 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
OTTAWA – Three former PMs have confirmed they will accompany Stephen Harper to South Africa to pay final respects to Nelson Mandela, the Prime Minister’s Office said Saturday.
The PMO said Harper, along with his wife, Laureen, will leave for Johannesburg on Sunday with a delegation that will include Jean Chretien, Kim Campbell and Brian Mulroney.
Harper will attend a public memorial for Mandela on Tuesday in Johannesburg, as well as his lying in state in Pretoria on Wednesday.
The White House says President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama will also attend the memorial service.
The Obamas will be accompanied on Air Force One by former President George W. Bush and wife Laura Bush. Former President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, along with former President Jimmy Carter, will also attend memorials for Mandela in South Africa.
Mandela’s body will lie in state from Wednesday through Friday.
A state funeral for the former South African prime minister is planned for Dec. 15.
Canadians can pay tribute to Mandela by signing an online book of condolences.
The former South African president passed away on Dec. 5 at the age of 95.
With files from The Associated Press
