Former prime minister Brian Mulroney lies in state near Parliament Hill

Dignitaries from across our country offered condolences to the family of the late Brian Mulroney today, as the former prime minister lies in state near Parliament Hill.

Mulroney was prime minister for nine years between 1984 and 1993. He died on Feb. 29 in a Florida hospital, and tributes have poured in from around the world since his death.

On Tuesday, a guard of honour carefully delivered Mulroney’s casket before the governor general and her husband entered to pay their respects.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau followed, walking in alone before greeting family members and bowing his head at the casket.

READ MORE: Former Canadian PM Brian Mulroney dead at 84

Dignitaries signed books of condolences, and by mid-morning, additional books were rolled out into the lobby and pens were running out of ink.

More than 900 people had filed through the ballroom by late Tuesday afternoon.

Some who joined the lineup to pay their respects to the former prime minister shared their memories.

The public will also be able to pay their respects at Montreal’s St. Patrick’s Basilica on Thursday and Friday, before the state funeral on Saturday.