The country that bestowed its highest accolades and even honorary citizenship upon Nelson Mandela was a source of inspiration to the legendary freedom fighter throughout his struggle for racial equality in South Africa.
Nelson Mandela's ties to Canada were forged long before he earned global praise for his role in bringing an end to apartheid rule in South Africa. Mandela died on December 5th at age 95. Here are some key events that helped cement his relationship with Canada:
1986 Canada implements Trade sanctions against South Africa, curtailing a relationship valued at the time at $500 million.
Feb. 11, 1990 Mandela is released from prison after 27 years behind bars on Robben Island.
Feb. 12, 1990 Prime Minister Brian Mulroney sends Mandela a letter inviting him to visit Canada and offering him help to build a new, non-racial South African democracy.

The Feb. 13, 1990 file photo shows released ANC leader Nelson Mandela and wife Winnie giving the black power salute on entering Soweto's city soccer stadium,. A crowd of an estimated 120,000 people crammed the venue to hear him speak. (AP Photo)
In this Feb. 13, 1990 file photo, ANC leader and symbol of resistance to apartheid, Nelson Mandela, is seen as he gives the black power salute to the 120,000 ANC supporters packing Soweto's Soccer City stadium in Soweto, near Johannesburg, South Africa, shortly after his release from 27 years in prison. (AP Photo, file)
June 17, 1990 Mandela arrives in Canada for his first visit to the country. Mulroney announces the establishment of a $5 million fund to help relocate South African exiles. Mandela addresses parliament in Ottawa.

Nelson Mandela greets people as he walks with Prime Minister Brian Mulroney on his arrival in Ottawa, ON June 17, 1990 for a three-day visit to Canada. The Canadian Press/Wm. DeKay
South African anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela raises his arms as he is acknowledged by the Prime Minister Brian Mulroney and other members of Parliament in Ottawa, June 18, 1990. The Canadian Press/Fred Chartrand
Sept. 24, 1993 Mandela requests Canada lift economic sanctions against South Africa during a speech to the United Nations. Hours later, External Affairs minister Perrin Beatty announced Ottawa would comply.

African National Congress President Nelson Mandela, front row second from right, sits with New York City Mayor David Dinkins, left, in the United Nations General Assembly Hall Friday, Sept. 23, 1993 in New York. In back row, right, is the Rev. Jesse Jackson and Rev. Al Sharpton is third from right. AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews
May 10, 1994
"Today we celebrate the magnificent achievement of democracy. The inauguration of President Mandela is a triumph of negotiation over violence, of tolerance over hatred." - Prime Minister Jean Chretien, the day Mandela became head of state in South Africa.
Sept. 24, 1998 At the start of Mandela's second visit to Canada, he is made an honourary companion of the order of Canada, the highest rank available. Mandela was one of only a handful of people born outside of Canada to be inducted into the order.

South African President Nelson Mandela acknowledges a standing ovation in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa Thursday Sept. 24, 1998. The Canadian Press/Tom Hanson
South African President Nelson Mandela smiles after recieving an honourary Investiture into the Order of Canada at a ceremony in Ottawa, September 24, 1998. The Canadian Press/Tom Hanson
Sept. 25, 1998 Mandela addresses a rally of more than 40,000 students at Toronto's SkyDome with Prime Minister Jean Chretien and other dignitaries in attendance.

South African President Nelson Mandela is seen on the jumbotron at the SkyDome in Toronto in this file photo from Sept. 25, 1998. The Canadian Press/Kevin Frayer

Mandela speaking at the SkyDome.
Nov. 17, 2001 Mandela begins a three-day visit to Canada by attending a ceremony to rename a Toronto public school after him. He and his wife Graca Machel later receive honorary degrees from Toronto's Ryerson University.

Former South African President Nelson Mandela, centre, accepts an honorary degree from Ryerson University president Claude Lajeunesse, right, and chancellor John Craig Eaton in Toronto Saturday November 17, 2001. The Canadian Press/Aaron Harris
Nov. 19, 2001 Mandela becomes the first living person to be made an honorary citizen of Canada.

Former South African president Nelson Mandela smiles after recieving his certificate of citizenship at a ceremony making him an honourary citizen of Canada in Hull, Quebec, Monday Nov. 19, 2001. The Canadian Press/Tom Hanson

Clip of Mandela speaking at ceremony.

"We were shown that those in exile will come back one day, those working underground in the country will emerge and that those who are in jail will return. It was partly because of your support. Our victory has become your victory." – Nelson Mandela, Sept. 25, 1998 at a state dinner

Nelson Mandela 1918 - 2013