They may have worn different party colours but Anthony Rota says he had a lot of respect for Brian Mulroney.
The country's 18th prime minister died Thursday at age 84, surrounded by loved ones, according to a social media post by his daughter, Caroline on Thursday. "
"I have met Brian Mulroney and we have talked many times, and he was a very gentle man and very capable of making friendships," said the Nipissing-Timiskaming Liberal MP about the Conservative Mulroney.
"That is one of the most important things and in politics when you make those connections and move forward you really move forward much faster. This is a big loss for Canada, a very good Prime Minister."
See related: State funeral, public condolences being planned for Brian Mulroney
See related: Former prime minister Brian Mulroney dead at 84
Rota says it is very easy to put politics aside to respect someone like Brian Mulroney.
"I have always been the type that once the election is over, the Party steps aside and it is time to do what is right for the country and I believe Brian Mulroney did that as well," said Rota.
On that same note, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says there will be opportunities for Canadians to express their condolences to Mulroney's family as well.
MPs agreed Friday morning to suspend Parliament for the day, and offer tributes to Mulroney on March 18.
Mulroney was the leader of the Progressive Conservative party in the 1980s and was prime minister for nearly nine years between 1984 and 1993.
With files from the Canadian Press
