MONTREAL - Former prime minister Brian Mulroney says Canada should be part of any free-trade deal worked out between the United States and the European Union.
Mulroney was addressing a dinner Thursday night saluting his work on the North American free-trade deal when he led the federal government. Mulroney says while the EU may not have a pressing interest in a trade deal with Canada, Ottawa should be part of any negotiations.
He says Canadians must be vigilant in an increasing climate of protectionism.
Mulroney was honoured by the , a conservative think tank, with the T.P. Fraser award for his efforts at increasing cross-border trade with the United States.
Mulroney, who was prime minister between 1984 and 1993, has been back in the public eye lately after releasing the first volume of his memoirs.
Earlier, about 80 people peacefully protested outside the downtown hotel where Mulroney was to speak.
