Today (June 5), Paul Calandra, Minister of Education, announced that the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board's (OCDSB) newest elementary school will be named Brian Mulroney Elementary School, in honour of Canada's 18th Prime Minister and his lasting contributions to Canada and the world.
The new school will welcome close to 700 students when it opens in August 2026 and will become the first public school in Canada named after the Rt. Hon. Brian Mulroney.
"Brian Mulroney was one of the most consequential leaders in modern Canadian history," said Minister Calandra. "He strengthened Canada's economy, championed the French language and Francophone communities, led on the environment as the greenest Prime Minister in Canadian history, and earned international respect for his leadership on human rights and the fight against apartheid. It is fitting that a new generation of students will learn in a school that bears his name, and I hope they will be inspired by his commitment to public service and nation-building."
The school is located in Ottawa's east urban community near Mer Bleue and serves a growing area with a strong Francophone presence. The naming recognizes Mr. Mulroney's contributions to Canada, including his support for the French language and Francophone communities, his role in advancing free trade and economic growth, his environmental leadership, and his advocacy for human rights on the international stage.
"Teaching Canadian history is an important element of our curriculum. I hope the students of Brian Mulroney Elementary School and students across the OCDSB district will be inspired to learn more about Canada and the importance of public service," said OCDSB Supervisor Robert Plamondon.
The Rt. Hon. Brian Mulroney served as Prime Minister of Canada from September 17, 1984, to June 25, 1993, and passed away on February 29, 2024. The OCDSB has previously named seven schools after Canadian Prime Ministers and Governors General, and schools after Sir Winston Churchill, Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth II.
About the New Facility
Located near Mer Bleue at 700 Spring Valley Drive, key features of the new facility include:
Dual-Track Programming:
- Offering both English with Core French, and Early French Immersion (EFI).
Flexible Learning Spaces:
- Designed to support collaborative, hands-on STEM, arts, and early childhood programming, alongside a dedicated on-site child care centre.
Modern Outdoor Amenities:
- Featuring a sports field, play field, outdoor classroom, and basketball courts designed to cultivate active learning.
Eco-Friendly Infrastructure:
- Energy-efficient systems built to align with modern sustainability standards and reduce the facility's carbon footprint.
