The #Mulroney speech should be underway any minute. As usual, it's taking a wee bit longer than expected to herd the guests to their seats.
And the head table has arrived - in proper procession form - although #Mulroney is clearly the star. (It's clear to him, too, it appears.)
The event MP acknowledges the looming democratic inevitability: specifically, the Bells, which will toll for MPs at 8pm. #Mulroney
It's also fair to say that Lisa Raitt gets the most enthusiastic response from the crowd when introduced. #Mulroney
I would be woefully negligent in my duties if I didn't mention that the MC in question is one Walter Robinson. #Mulroney
And now, Peter MacKay will introduce the pre-dinner keynote speaker: the Right Honourable Brian #Mulroney! (Insert wild cheers.)
MacKay begins by reminiscing that his first political job was as a driver for Mila #Mulroney, as well as other members of the entourage.
He then tells a joke about a Christmas card and Ben #Mulroney, and actually mentions his tenure as leader of the Progressive Conservatives.
Somehow, this segues into life sciences and biopharmaceutical research. #Mulroney
#Mulroney "taught us to go beyond the statistics" and transform the country, recalls MacKay.
MacKay notes that #Mulroney has been named both Canada's greenest PM, and the one "best for the economy".
#Mulroney begins by joking that he always said he wanted to be "buried with his podium". (Unless I misheard that.)
#Mulroney then pays tribute to the MacKay family for setting the "gold standard" amongst Conservatives, Progressive and ... otherwise...
He -- #Mulroney also gives credit to Peter MacKay and Stephen Harper for keeping the C/conservative Party alive in Canada.
#Mulroney recalls that the Liberal Party "used to be our opponent in Quebec".
What the Liberals need, according to #Mulroney, is another 'Chubby Power' (sp) - the QC political fixer to end all QC political fixers.
I will give him this: Never in my life have I seen a politician with as exquisite comedic timing as Brian #Mulroney.
Oh, now #Mulroney is telling an anecdote that involves a vintage New Yorker named O'Malley!
Okay, that was a *reaaaaally* long preamble to get to a punchline related to a former Zimbabwean leader named Banane. #Mulroney
Btw, MPs have to be fed, otherwise nurtured and back in their seats by 8:30. #Mulroney