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The body of former prime minister Brian Mulroney will lie in state for two days in Ottawa this week, giving dignitaries and residents in the region an opportunity to pay their final respects and offer condolences. 

Mulroney, who was Canada’s 18th prime minister from 1984 to 1993, died in a Florida hospital on Feb. 29 after a fall at his home in Palm Beach. A state funeral takes place in Montreal on Saturday. 

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Here’s what you need to know about Mulroney’s lying in state, lying in repose and the funeral. 

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO LIE IN STATE? 

The term refers to the formal tradition of allowing members of the public to pay their respects to a deceased dignitary or head of state at a major government building, normally on Parliament Hill. The casket containing the body is flanked by a guard of honour as visitors take their turns bidding farewell.

The last time a Canadian dignitary lay in state in Ottawa was 2011, when thousands waited in line for hours to commemorate NDP leader Jack Layton as his body lay in state at the House of Commons. 

IS LYING IN STATE DIFFERENT THAN LYING IN REPOSE? 

Yes. Lying in repose is a similar tradition of making the body available for public viewing, but it takes place in a location other than the seat of government. Mulroney’s body will lie in repose at Saint Patrick’s Basilica, 460 René-Lévesque Blvd. W., in Montréal, March 21-22. 

WHEN AND WHERE WILL MULRONEY LIE IN STATE? 

Because of the ongoing renovation of Parliament Hill, Mulroney’s body will lie in state across the street at the Sir John A. Macdonald Building, 144 Wellington St., on Tuesday and Wednesday, March 19-20. The casket arrives Tuesday morning, and the Mulroney family will first receive dignitaries, starting at 10 a.m. with Gov. Gen. Mary Simon and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. 

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Members of the public can visit from 12:30-6 p.m. Tuesday, and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday. A book of condolences is available to sign on site. 

IS THERE AN ADMISSION CHARGE? 

No, but security screening is required to enter the building and lineups are expected. Canadian Heritage organizers advise travelling light — leave any large bags at home. 

WILL STREETS IN THE AREA CLOSE? 

Yes. Ottawa street closures start at 6 p.m. Monday and do not reopen until 6 p.m. Wednesday. The following streets are closed to traffic during this period: 

• Wellington Street from Elgin Street to Bank Street
• Sparks Street from Elgin Street to Bank Street
• O’Connor Street from Wellington Street to Queen Street
• Metcalfe Street from Wellington Street to Queen Street

WHAT ABOUT THE FUNERAL? 

The ceremony takes place at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montréal, 110 Notre-Dame St. West, in Montréal, following a funeral cortege that includes an RCMP mounted escort, a Canadian Armed Forces escort, the Royal Canadian Air Force Band, RCMP pallbearers and other honorary pallbearers. 

Eulogies will be offered by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Mulroney’s daughter, Caroline, Wayne Gretzky, James Baker and Jean Charest, while music is to be performed by members of the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal, The Tenors, Marc Hervieux, Marie-Josée Lord and Elizabeth Theodora Lapham, Mulroney’s granddaughter. Topping it off is a 19-gun salute at the end of the ceremony, fired from the Clock Tower Pier in the Old Port of Montreal. 

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CAN I WATCH IT FROM HOME? 

Yes. The funeral cortege and the ceremony will be broadcast live from Montréal on Canadian Heritage’s Facebook and YouTube channels. 

CAN I SEND FLOWERS? 

It’s not necessary. In lieu of flowers, the family asks well-wishers to consider making a donation to the Brian Mulroney Institute of Government at St. Francis Xavier University or the Carrefour international Brian-Mulroney at Université Laval. You can also sign (or view) an online book of condolences at www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/commemoration/brian-mulroney/book.html

HOW LONG ARE FLAGS AT HALF MAST? 

The flags on the Peace Tower and all federal buildings and establishments in Canada are being flown at half mast until sunset Saturday to pay tribute to the former prime minister. 

— With files from the Canadian Press

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