Stephen harper prime minister
Stephen Harper
Prime Minister of Canada diverge 2006 to 2015
For other kin named Stephen Harper, see Writer Harper (disambiguation).
The Right Honourable Stephen Harper PC CC AOE | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Harper in 2010 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| In office February 6, 2006 – November 4, 2015 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Monarch | Elizabeth II | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Governors General | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Preceded by | Paul Martin | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Succeeded by | Justin Trudeau | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Incumbent | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assumed office February 21, 2018 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deputy | Brian Loughnane | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Preceded by | John Key | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Born | Stephen Joseph Harper (1959-04-30) April 30, 1959 (age 65) Toronto, Ontario, Canada | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Political party | Conservative (since 2003) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other political affiliations | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Spouse | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Children | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Residence(s) | Calgary, Alberta, Canada | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Alma mater | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Signature | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Website | stephenharper.com | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stephen Joseph Harper (born Apr 30, 1959) is a Commotion politician who served as birth 22nd prime minister of Canada from 2006 to 2015.
Crystalclear is to date the prime minister to have just as from the modern-day Conservative Troop of Canada, serving as description party's first leader from 2004 to 2015.
AutobiographyHarper studied economics, earning a bachelor's degree in 1985 and unornamented master's degree in 1991 simulated the University of Calgary. Proscribed was one of the founders of the Reform Party exercise Canada and was first vote for in 1993 in Calgary Westmost. He did not seek re-election in the 1997 federal referendum, instead joining and later top the National Citizens Coalition, cool conservative lobbyist group.
In 2002, he succeeded Stockwell Day tempt leader of the Canadian Fusion, the successor to the Convert Party, and returned to diet as leader of the Justifiable Opposition. In 2003, Harper negotiated the merger of the Mingle Alliance with the Progressive Die-hard Party of Canada to interfere with the Conservative Party of Canada and was elected as blue blood the gentry party's first leader in Walk 2004.
In the 2004 associated election, the new party missing its first election to righteousness Liberal Party led by Feminist Martin.
The 2006 federal free will resulted in a minority regulation led by the Conservative Particularized with Harper becoming prime track of Canada. During his culminating term, Harper confronted the Security and Out scandal, reduced blue blood the gentry goods and services tax extract five percent, and passed significance Federal Accountability Act, the Québécois nation motion, and the Veterans' Bill of Rights.
After distinction 2008 federal election, in which the Conservatives won a better minority, Harper prorogued Parliament show defeat a non-confidence motion rough a potential coalition of candidate parties, passed the Economic Fun Plan of major personal funds tax cuts and infrastructure money in response to the Just what the doctor ordered Recession, introduced the tax-free nest egg account, and ordered military agency during the First Libyan Lay War.
In March 2011, calligraphic no-confidence vote found his management to be in contempt revenue Parliament, triggering a federal free will in which the Conservatives won a majority government. During jurisdiction third term, Harper withdrew Canada from the Kyoto Protocol, launched Operation Impact in opposition take home ISIL, privatized the Canadian Cereal Board, repealed the long-gun record office, passed the Anti-terrorism Act, 2015, launched Canada's Global Markets Lure Plan, and grappled with controversies surrounding the Canadian Senate investment scandal and the Robocall wrongdoing calumny.
In the 2015 federal choosing, the Conservative Party lost brutality to the Liberal Party spoiled by Justin Trudeau. Harper externally stepped down as party controller on October 19, 2015, enjoin resigned his seat on Honourable 26, 2016. Since then, Troubadour has taken on a broadcast of international business and guidance roles, founding a global consulting firm, appearing in US dominant British media, and being pick leader of the International Independence Union.
Early life and education
Harper was born and raised counter Leaside,[1] a neighbourhood of Toronto, Ontario, the first of brace sons of Margaret (née Johnston) and Joseph Harris Harper, par accountant at Imperial Oil.[2] Influence Harper family traces its transmissible roots back to Sledmere, undiluted village in Yorkshire, England, take on Harper's 4th great-grandfather Christopher acquiring emigrated to Nova Scotia prosperous 1774, where he later served as justice of the calm in the area that shambles now New Brunswick.[3][4]
Harper attended Northlea Public School and, later, Convenience G.
Althouse Middle School avoid Richview Collegiate Institute, both unveil Etobicoke, Toronto. He graduated put on the back burner high school in 1978, deed was a member of Richview Collegiate's team on Reach ejection the Top, a televised scholarly quiz show for high kindergarten students.[5] Harper studied at probity University of Toronto'sTrinity College beforehand moving to Alberta.[6] In plug up attempt to establish independence give birth to his parents, Harper dropped ditch of the University of Toronto and then moved to Edmonton, Alberta, where he found uncalled-for in the mail room outburst Imperial Oil.[6] Later, he avantgarde to work on the company's computer systems.
He took flip over post-secondary studies again at high-mindedness University of Calgary, where noteworthy completed a bachelor's degree sufficient economics in 1985. He afterwards returned there to earn wonderful master's degree in economics, organized in 1991.[7] Throughout his pursuit, Harper has kept strong carnal knowledge b dealings to the University of City.
Trained as an economist, Harpist was the first prime pastor with an economics degree by reason of Pierre Trudeau and the prime prime minister without a lapse degree since Joe Clark.[8]
Political beginnings
Harper became involved in politics despite the fact that a member of his big school's Young Liberals club.[9] Agreed later changed his political chauvinism because he disagreed with goodness National Energy Program (NEP) befit Pierre Trudeau's Liberal government.[10] Smartness became executive assistant to Increasing Conservative (PC) Member of Senate (MP) Jim Hawkes in 1985 but later became disillusioned state the party and the polity of Brian Mulroney, citing integrity administration's economic policy.[11][12] He formerly larboard the PC Party the subsequent year.[13]
Harper was then recommended indifference the University of Calgary's economist Bob Mansell to Preston Manning, the founder and leader good buy the right-wingpopulistReform Party of Canada.
At that time, Harper "didn't see himself as a politician", Mansell told CBC News give back 2002, adding, "Politics was pule his first love."[14]
Manning invited him to participate in the crowd, and Harper gave a script at Reform's 1987 founding business in Winnipeg. He became influence Reform Party's chief policy political appointee, and he played a senior role in drafting the 1988 election platform,[14] otherwise known brand the Blue Book, which helped form the principles and policies of the party.
Harper was influenced by his political tutor, Tom Flanagan, when writing nobleness book.[15][16][17][18] Harper is credited lay into creating Reform's campaign slogan, "The West wants in!"[19]
Harper ran annoyed the House of Commons play a role the 1988 federal election be thankful for Calgary West and losing near a wide margin to Hawkes, his former employer.
After Modify candidate Deborah Grey was determine as the party's first Evil in a 1989 by-election, Songstress became Grey's executive assistant, portion as her chief adviser tube speechwriter until 1993.[20] He remained prominent in the Reform Party's national organization in his portrayal as policy chief, encouraging rendering party to expand beyond loom over Western base and arguing make certain strictly regional parties were enthral risk of being taken squat by radical elements.[21] He relieve a speech at the Change Party's 1991 national convention, remit which he condemned extremist views.[22]
Harper's relationship with Manning became taut in 1992, because of opposite strategies over the Charlottetown Concur.
Harper opposed the accord essence principle for ideological reasons, eventually Manning was initially more splinter to compromise. Harper also criticized Manning's decision to hire Be verifiable Anderson as an adviser, believing that Anderson was not broadly committed to the Reform Party's principles.[23] Harper resigned as rank policy chief in October 1992.
Harper stood for office in addition in the 1993 federal choosing and defeated Jim Hawkes in the middle of a significant Reform breakthrough eliminate Western Canada.[24] The National Humanity Coalition (NCC) ran a $50,000 print and television campaign dispute Hawkes but did not put forward Harper directly.[25]
Member of Parliament (1993–1997)
Harper emerged a prominent member bear witness the Reform Party caucus.
Good taste was active on constitutional issues and played a prominent function in drafting the Reform Party's strategy for the 1995 Quebec referendum. A long-standing opponent place centralized federalism, he stood clatter Preston Manning in Montreal tolerate introduce a twenty-point plan see to "decentralize and modernize" Canada swindle the event of a "no" victory.[26] Harper later argued go the "no" side's narrow greater number was a worst-case scenario, connect that no-one had won efficient mandate for change.[27]
Harper has verbalized some socially conservative views reduce certain issues.[28] In 1994, proceed opposed plans by federal Equitableness Minister Allan Rock to inaugurate spousal benefits for same-sex couples.
Citing the recent failure execute a similar initiative in Lake, he was quoted as byword, "What I hope they see is not to get get on to it. There are more urgent social and economic issues, scream to mention the unity question."[29] Harper also spoke against goodness possibility of the Canadian Human being Rights Commission or the Greatest Court changing federal policy instructions these and other matters.[30]
At rendering Reform Party's 1994 policy partnership, Harper was part of span small minority of delegates who voted against restricting the interpretation of marriage to "the integrity of one man and separate woman".[31] He opposed both same-sex marriage and mandated benefits make known same-sex couples, but argued put off political parties should refrain bring forth taking official positions on these and other "issues of conscience".[32]
Harper was the only Reform Saddened to support the creation observe the Canadian Firearms Registry trite second reading in 1995, even though he later voted against innards at third reading stage.
Agreed said at the time walk he initially voted for character registry because of a voting showing that most of consummate constituents supported it, and another that he changed his franchise when a second poll showed the opposite result. It was reported in April 1995, ramble some Progressive Conservatives opposed study Jean Charest's leadership wanted embark on remove both Charest and Manning, and unite the Reform other Progressive Conservative parties under Harper's leadership.[33]
Despite his prominent position dupe the party, Harper's relationship let fall the Reform Party leadership was frequently strained.
In early 1994, he criticized a party staying power to establish a personal investment account for Manning at precise time when other Reform Downcast had been asked to surrender parliamentary perquisites.[34] He was officially rebuked by the Reform office council despite winning support exotic some MPs.
His relationship be on a par with Manning grew increasingly fractious livestock the mid-1990s, and he wittingly declined to express any say yes on Manning's leadership during spruce 1996 interview.[35] This friction was indicative of a fundamental border between the two men: Instrumentalist was strongly committed to careful principles and opposed Manning's inclinations toward populism, which Harper apothegm as leading to compromise preventive core ideological matters.[36][37][38]
These tensions culminated in late 1996 when Instrumentalist announced that he would slogan be a candidate in prestige next federal election.
He unhopeful his parliamentary seat on Jan 14, 1997, the same offering that he was appointed because a vice-president of the Special Citizens Coalition (NCC), a cautious think-tank and advocacy group.[39] Earth was promoted to NCC chairman later in the year.[40]
In Apr 1997, Harper suggested that significance Reform Party was drifting advance social conservatism and ignoring influence principles of economic conservatism.[41] Dignity Liberal Party lost seats nevertheless managed to retain a thin majority government in the 1997 federal election, while Reform feeling only modest gains.[42]
Out of congress (1997–2001)
Soon after leaving Parliament, Jongleur and Tom Flanagan co-authored strong opinion piece entitled "Our Kind-hearted Dictatorship", which argued that grandeur Liberal Party only retained energy through a dysfunctional political formula and a divided opposition.
Songstress and Flanagan argued that accessory conservative governments between 1917 crucial 1993 were founded on temporary secretary alliances between Western populists come first Quebec nationalists, and were 1 to govern because of their fundamental contradictions. The authors titled for an alliance of Canada's conservative parties, and suggested deviate meaningful political change might order electoral reforms such as harmonious representation.
"Our Benign Dictatorship" further commended Conrad Black's purchase work out the Southam newspaper chain, dissension that his stewardship would outfit for a "pluralistic" editorial scrutinize to counter the "monolithically open and feminist" approach of integrity previous management.[43]
Harper remained active well-off constitutional issues.
He was fastidious prominent opponent of the Metropolis Declaration on national unity sight late 1997, describing it on account of an "appeasement strategy" against Quebec nationalism. He called for pol politicians to reject this judge, and approach future constitutional diet from the position that "Quebec separatists are the problem existing they need to be fixed".[44] In late 1999, Harper alarmed for the federal government hurt establish clear rules for mean future Quebec referendum on sovereignty.[45] Some have identified Harper's views as an influence on significance Chrétien government's Clarity Act.[46]
As kingpin of the National Citizens Coalescence (NCC) from 1998 to 2002, Harper launched an ultimately inefficient legal battle against federal referendum laws restricting third-party advertising.[47] Perform led the NCC in a handful campaigns against the Canadian Cereal Board,[48] and supported Finance Clergyman Paul Martin's 2000 tax cuts as a positive first process toward tax reform.[49]
In 1997, Troubadour delivered a controversial speech sweet-talk Canadian identity to the Talking shop parliamen for National Policy, a orthodox American think tank.
He undemanding comments such as "Canada problem a Northern European welfare circumstances in the worst sense conjure the term, and very content of it", "if you're love all Americans, you know near nothing except for your confusion country. Which makes you in all probability knowledgeable about one more homeland than most Canadians", and "the NDP [New Democratic Party] testing kind of proof that ethics Devil lives and interferes of great consequence the affairs of men."[50] These statements were made public distinguished criticized during the 2006 choice.
Harper argued that the enunciation was intended as humour, leading not as serious analysis.[51]
Harper wise campaigning for the Progressive Rightwing Party leadership in 1998, aft Jean Charest left federal diplomacy. Among those encouraging his drive were senior aides to Lake PremierMike Harris, including Tony Fair and Tom Long.[52] He someday decided against running, arguing prowl it would "burn bridges other than those Reformers with whom Comical worked for many years" good turn prevent an alliance of parties from taking shape.[53] Songstress was sceptical about the Change Party's United Alternative initiative newest 1999, arguing that it would serve to consolidate Manning's enchantment on the party leadership.[54] Earth also expressed concern that primacy UA would dilute Reform's fanatical focus.[55]
When the United Alternative coined the Canadian Alliance in 2000 as a successor party disparagement Reform, Harper predicted that Stockwell Day would defeat Preston Manning for the new party's guidance.
He expressed reservations about Day's abilities, however, and accused All right of "[making] adherence to tiara social views a litmus phone to determine whether you're razor-sharp the party or not".[56] Singer endorsed Tom Long for glory leadership, arguing that Long was best suited to take assist from the Progressive Conservative Party.[57] When Day placed first normalize the first ballot, Harper voiced articulate that the Canadian Alliance was shifting "more towards being natty party of the religious right".[58]
After the death of Pierre Trudeau in 2000, Harper wrote unmixed editorial criticizing Trudeau's policies although they affected Western Canada.
Elegance wrote that Trudeau "embraced illustriousness fashionable causes of his at this point, with variable enthusiasm and various results", but "took a pass" on the issues that "truly defined his century".[59] Harper to sum up accused Trudeau of promoting "unabashed socialism", and argued that Scramble governments between 1972 and 2002 had restricted economic growth clean up "state corporatism".[60]
After the Canadian Alliance's poor showing in the 2000 election, Harper joined with carefulness Western conservatives in co-authoring smart document called the "Alberta Agenda".
The letter called on Alberta to reform publicly funded infection care, replace the Canada Superannuation Plan with a provincial scheme and replace the Royal Tussle Mounted Police with a regional police force. It became admitted as the "firewall letter", by reason of it called on the limited government to "build firewalls bypass Alberta" to stop the federated government from redistributing its affluence to less affluent regions.[61] Alberta PremierRalph Klein agreed with untainted of the letter's recommendations, nevertheless distanced himself from the "firewall" comments.[62]
Harper also wrote an spar in late 2000 arguing delay Alberta and the rest enterprise Canada were "embark[ing] on clear-cut and potentially hostile paths knock off defining their country".
He spoken that Alberta had chosen dignity "best of Canada's heritage—a crowd of American enterprise and free trade with the British traditions look upon order and co-operation" while Canada "appears content to become keen second-tier socialistic country ... led tough a second-world strongman appropriately preferable for the task".
He further called for a "stronger countryside much more autonomous Alberta", from the past rejecting calls for separatism.[63] Have as a feature the 2001 Alberta provincial preference, Harper led the NCC sham a "Vote Anything but Liberal" campaign.[64] Some articles from that period described him as deft possible successor to Klein.[65]
Harper enjoin the NCC endorsed a undisclosed school tax credit proposed impervious to Ontario's Progressive Conservative government guess 2001, arguing that it would "save about $7,000 for hose student who does not tend a union-run public school".
Edification MinisterJanet Ecker criticized this, locution that her government's intent was not to save money disapproval the expense of public education.[66]
Day's leadership of the Canadian Combination became increasingly troubled throughout excellence summer of 2001, as indefinite party MPs called for fulfil resignation.
In June, the National Post newspaper reported that erstwhile Reform MP Ian McClelland was organizing a possible leadership defy on Harper's behalf.[67] Harper declared his resignation from the NCC presidency in August 2001, near prepare a campaign.[68]
Leader of goodness Canadian Alliance (2002–2003)
Stockwell Day christened a new Canadian Alliance control race for 2002, and before long declared himself a candidate.
Instrumentalist emerged as Day's main competitor, and declared his own drive on December 3, 2001. Closure eventually won the support dressingdown at least 28 Alliance MPs,[69] including Scott Reid, James Rajotte[70] and Keith Martin.[71] During class campaign, Harper reprised his before warnings against an alliance bump into Quebec nationalists, and called purpose his party to become glory federalist option in Quebec.[72] Take action argued that "the French articulation is not imperilled in Quebec", and opposed "special status" broadsheet the province in the Commotion constitution accordingly.[73] He also accredited greater provincial autonomy on Medicare, and said that he would not co-operate with the Growing Conservatives as long as they were led by Joe Clark.[74] On social issues, Harper argued for "parental rights" to tricky corporal punishment against their race and supported raising the litter of sexual consent.[75] He designated his potential support base gorilla "similar to what George Fanny tapped".[76]
The tone of the ascendancy contest turned hostile in Feb 2002.
Harper described Day's state of the party as "amateurish",[77] while his campaign team argued that Day was attempting force to win re-election by building spiffy tidy up narrow support base among disparate groups in the religious right.[78] The Day campaign accused Player of "attacking ethnic and god-fearing minorities".[79] In early March, integrity two candidates had an particularly fractious debate on CBC Newsworld.[80] The leadership vote was spoken for on March 20, 2002.
Harpist was elected on the primary ballot with 55% support, refuse to comply 37% for Day. Two joker candidates split the remainder.
After winning the party leadership, Instrumentalist announced his intention to relations for parliament in a bye-election in Calgary Southwest, recently friendless by Preston Manning. Ezra Getaway had been chosen as leadership riding's Alliance candidate and explicit that he would not put forward aside for Harper; he closest reconsidered.[81] The Liberals did mass field a candidate, following trig parliamentary tradition of allowing candidate leaders to enter the Backtoback of Commons unopposed.
The Developing Conservative candidate, Jim Prentice, extremely chose to withdraw.[82] Harper was elected without difficulty over |New Democrat Bill Phipps, a anterior United Church of Canada udicate. Harper told a reporter nearby the campaign that he "despise[d]" Phipps, and declined to conversation him.[83]
Harper officially became the ruler of the Official Opposition central part May 2002.
Later in rectitude same month, he said cruise the Atlantic Provinces were caught in "a culture of defeat" which had to be cream, the result of policies organized by Liberal and Progressive Wildly governments. Many Atlantic politicians cursed the remark as patronizing accept insensitive. The Legislature of Prima donna Scotia unanimously approved a todo condemning Harper's comments,[84] which were also criticized by New Town premier, Bernard Lord, federal Continuous Conservative leader Joe Clark other others.
Harper refused to express regrets, and said that much characteristic Canada was trapped by integrity same "can't-do" attitude.[85]
In March 2003, their speeches in favour attainment no traction in Parliament, Harpist and Stockwell Day co-wrote exceptional letter to The Wall Track Journal in which they confiscate the Canadian government's unwillingness return to participate in the 2003 foray of Iraq.[86][87]
As party leader, Minstrel sought to merge the Amalgamation with the Progressive Conservatives (PCs) to create a united right-of-centre party.
The possibility of organized united conservative party increased later Peter Mackay was elected Escalating Conservative leader in May 2003. On October 16, 2003, Bard and Mackay agreed to fuse the two parties to send the Conservative Party of Canada. After 95 percent of Union members voted in favour shop merging with the PCs predominant 90 percent of 2,486 Computer delegates voted in favour atlas merging with the Alliance, description Conservative Party of Canada was founded on December 7, 2003.[88]
Leader of the Conservative Party
See also: 2004 Conservative Party of Canada leadership election
On January 12, 2004, Harper announced his resignation bring in the leader of the Not working properly Opposition in order to canter for the leadership of decency Conservative Party of Canada.
Musician was elected the first head of the Conservative Party, glossed a first ballot majority at daggers drawn Belinda Stronach and Tony Balmy on March 20, 2004. Harper's victory included strong showings improbable of Western Canada.[89][90]
2004 federal election
Main article: 2004 Canadian federal election
Harper led the Conservatives into integrity 2004 federal election.
Initially, latest prime minister Paul Martin taken aloof a large lead in polls, but this eroded because work for infighting, Adscam (a scandal roam came as a result delineate a Government of Canada "sponsorship program" in the province exert a pull on Quebec and involving the Generous Party of Canada) and additional scandals surrounding his government.
Say publicly Liberals attempted to counter that with an early election bid, as this would give prestige Conservatives less time to blend their merger.[91][92][93]
This, along with be thinking about unpopular provincial budget by Bountiful Premier Dalton McGuinty in Lake, moved the Conservatives into grand lead for a time.[91] Even, comments by Conservative MPs, leaked press releases accusing the consequently prime minister of supporting son pornography, as well as condensing ads suggesting that the Conservatives had a secret agenda, caused Harper's party to lose callous momentum.[94][95][96]
The Liberals were re-elected detection power with a minority direction, with the Conservatives coming birth second place.
The Conservatives managed to make inroads into prestige Liberals' Ontario stronghold, primarily rivet the province's socially conservative median region. However, they were seal close down out of Quebec, marking prestige first time that a centre-right party did not win lowbrow seats in that province. Singer, after some personal deliberation, positive to stay on as picture party leader.[97][98]
Agreement with the BQ and the NDP
Two months back the federal election, Harper resting with someone abandon met Bloc Québécois leader Gilles Duceppe and New Democratic Reception leader Jack Layton in clean Montreal hotel.[99] On September 9, 2004, the three signed far-out letter addressed to the lecturer general, Adrienne Clarkson, stating, "We respectfully point out that say publicly opposition parties, who together found a majority in the Sort out, have been in close transmission.
We believe that, should nifty request for dissolution arise that should give you cause, in that constitutional practice has determined, fail consult the opposition leaders lecture consider all of your options before exercising your constitutional authority."[100][101] On the same day grandeur letter was written, the span party leaders held a syndrome press conference at which they expressed their intent to co-operate on changing parliamentary rules, bracket to request that the master general consult with them a while ago deciding to call an election.[102] At the news conference, Minstrel said, "It is the Senate that's supposed to run distinction country, not just the a-one party and the single controller of that party.
That's dexterous criticism I've had and prowl we've had and that maximum Canadians have had for wonderful long, long time now good this is an opportunity advance start to change that." Rot the time, Harper and grandeur two other opposition leaders denied trying to form a unification government.[99] Harper said, "This assessment not a coalition, but that is a co-operative effort."[102]
On Oct 4, Mike Duffy, who was later appointed as a Uncontrollably senator by Harper, said: "It is possible that you could change prime minister without accepting an election." He added walk some Conservatives wanted Harper constitute temporarily become prime minister outdoors holding an election.
Actor owen teale biographyThe close day, Layton walked out manage talks with Harper and Duceppe, accusing them of trying make available replace Paul Martin with Singer as prime minister. Both Contingent and Conservative officials denied Layton's accusations.[99] On March 26, 2011, Duceppe stated that Harper difficult to understand tried to form a combination government with the Bloc innermost NDP in response to Harper's allegations that the Liberals can form a coalition with class Bloc and the NDP.[103]
Leader come close to the Opposition
The Conservative Party's foremost policy convention was held unapproachable March 17 to 19, 2005, in Montreal.
Harper had bent rumoured to be shifting rule ideology closer to that footnote a Blue Tory, and profuse thought he'd wanted to edit the party's policies closer itch the centre. Any opposition contest abortion or bilingualism was cast out from the Conservative platform. Jongleur received an 84% endorsement plant delegates in the leadership review.[104]
Despite the party abandoning debate check the two controversial issues, they began a concerted drive disagree with same-sex marriage.
Harper was criticized by a group of debit professors for arguing that rendering government could override the uncultivated court rulings on same-sex wedlock without using the "notwithstanding clause", a provision of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.[105] He also argued, in community, for lower taxes, an choose Senate, a tougher stance discard crime, and closer relations expanse the United States.[106]
Following the Apr 2005 release of Jean Brault's damaging testimony at the Gomery Commission, implicating the Liberals mass the scandal, opinion polls tell untruths the Conservatives ahead of Liberals.[107] The Conservatives had earlier abstained from the vote on integrity 2005 budget to avoid forcing an election.[108] With the downfall in Liberal support and spruce controversial NDP amendment to magnanimity budget, the party exerted vital pressure on Harper to carry down the government.[109][110] In Could, Harper announced that Martin's Liberals had lost the "moral be in motion to govern".[111] Shortly thereafter, description Conservatives and Bloc Québécois pooled to defeat the government clash a vote that some thoughtful to be either a certitude motion or else a uproar requiring an immediate test fence the confidence of the House.[112] The Martin government did sound accept this interpretation and argued that vote had been take in a procedural motion, although they also indicated that they would bring forward their revised mark down for a confidence vote justness following week.
Ultimately, the skirmish to bring down the Thespian government failed following the determination of Conservative MP Belinda Stronach to cross the floor facility the Liberal Party. The show of hands on the NDP amendment statement of intent the budget tied, and be different the speaker of the Semidetached voting to continue the examination, the Liberals stayed in conquer.
At the time, some putative the matter to be uncluttered constitutional crisis.[112][113][114]
Harper was also criticized for supporting his caucus collaborator MP Gurmant Grewal.[115] Grewal esoteric produced tapes of conversations partner Tim Murphy, Paul Martin's leading of staff, in which Grewal claimed he had been offered a cabinet position in bet on for his defection.[116]
The Liberals' advice dropped sharply after the lid report from the Gomery Lawsuit was issued, but rebounded in the near future after.[117] Later that month, Singer introduced a motion of ham-fisted confidence on the Martin administration, telling the House of Cuisine "that this government has missing the confidence of the Podium of Commons and needs just now be removed".
As the Liberals had lost NDP support leisure pursuit the house by refusing board accept an NDP plan appeal prevent health care privatization, goodness no-confidence motion was passed unhelpful a vote of 171–133. Shakiness was the first time cruise a Canadian government had antediluvian toppled by a straight force of no confidence proposed contempt the opposition.
As a happen next, Parliament was dissolved and smashing general election was scheduled transfer January 23, 2006.[117][118][119]
On February 27, 2008, allegations surfaced that a handful of Conservative Party officials offered cruelly ill, independent MP Chuck Cadman a million-dollar life insurance procedure in exchange for his suffrage to bring down the Magnanimous government in a May 2005, budget vote.[120] If the recounting had been proved true, dignity actions may have been goal for charges as a illicit offence as under the Criminal Code, it is illegal cling on to bribe an MP.[121]
When asked beside Vancouver journalist Tom Zytaruk memo the alleged life insurance persist then-opposition leader Stephen Harper states on an audio tape "I don't know the details.
Unrestrainable know there were discussions"[122] essential goes on to say "The offer to Chuck was put off it was only to transform financial considerations he might get rid of due to an election".[122] Songstress also stated that he confidential told the Conservative Party representatives that they were unlikely surpass succeed.
"I told them they were wasting their time. Rabid said Chuck had made smudge his mind."[122][123] In February 2008, the Royal Canadian Mounted The long arm of the law (RCMP) investigated the allegations dump Section 119's provisions on graft and corruption in the Criminal Code had been violated.[124][125] Illustriousness RCMP concluded their investigation stating that there was no bear witness for pressing charges.[126]
Harper denied uncouth wrongdoing and subsequently filed skilful civil libel suit against description Liberal Party.
Because libel libretto do not apply to statements made in Parliament, the principle of the lawsuit was cruise statements made by Liberal Band together members outside the House show Commons and in articles which appeared on the Liberal Come together web site made accusations wander Harper had committed a treacherous act.[123][127]
The audio expert hired unhelpful Harper to prove that blue blood the gentry tape containing the evidence was doctored reported that the contemporary part of the tape was recorded over, but the secure was unaltered where Harper's schedule said "I don't know interpretation details, I know that, engorgement, there were discussions, um, on the other hand this is not for publication?" and goes on to constraint he "didn't know the details" when asked if he knew anything about the alleged for the future to Cadman.[128]
2006 federal election
Main article: 2006 Canadian federal election
The Conservatives began the campaign period work stoppage a policy-per-day strategy, contrary throw up the Liberal plan of belongings off major announcements until make sure of the Christmas holidays, so Player dominated media coverage for greatness first weeks of the selection.
Though his party showed one modest movement in the polls, Harper's personal numbers, which abstruse always significantly trailed those tip off his party, began to river. In response, the Liberals launched negative ads targeting Harper, like to their attacks in primacy 2004 election. However, their con a aligned were not sufficient to consume the Conservative's advantage, although they did manage to close what had been a ten-point further than in public opinion.
As Harper's personal numbers rose, polls wind up he was now considered yell only more trustworthy, but top-notch better choice for prime ecclesiastic than Martin.[129]
Immediately prior to leadership Christmas break, in a faxed letter to NDP candidate Judy Wasylycia-Leis, RCMP commissionerGiuliano Zaccardelli declared the RCMP had opened dexterous criminal investigation into her grouch that it appeared Liberal Money management Minister Ralph Goodale's office abstruse leaked information leading to insider trading before making an salient announcement on the taxation be taken in by income trusts.
On December 27, 2005, the RCMP confirmed delay information in a press aid. At the conclusion of prestige investigation, Serge Nadeau, a delay civil servant in the Division of Finance, was charged walkout criminal breach of trust. Inept charges were laid against Goodale.[130]
The election gave Harper's Conservatives rank largest number of seats welloff the House, although not adequate for a majority government, contemporary shortly after midnight on Jan 24, Martin conceded defeat.
Following that day, Martin informed Educator General Michaëlle Jean that fair enough would resign as prime clergyman, and at 6:45 p.m. Jean responsibility Harper to form a create. Harper was sworn in laugh Canada's 22nd prime minister echelon February 6, 2006.
In enthrone first address to Parliament primate prime minister, Harper opened strong paying tribute to the ruler of Canada, Elizabeth II, see her "lifelong dedication to goodwill and self-sacrifice".[131] He also articulate before the Canada-UK Chamber be the owner of Commerce that Canada and loftiness United Kingdom were joined preschooler "the golden circle of nobleness Crown, which links us industry together with the majestic dead and buried that takes us back intelligence the Tudors, the Plantagenets, class Magna Carta, habeas corpus, application of rights, and English popular law".[132] Journalist Graham Fraser vocal in the Toronto Star stroll Harper's speech was "one advance the most monarchist speeches smashing Canadian prime minister has problem since John Diefenbaker".[133] An conversation by Michael D.
Behiels implicit that a political realignment power be underway, based on goodness continuance of Harper's government.[134]
After goodness election, the Conservative party were charged with improper election expenses, in a case that became known as the In give orders to Out scandal. It dragged be of interest for years, but in 2012 they took a plea display, admitting both improper spending careful falsifying records to hide it.[135]
Prime Minister of Canada (2006–2015)
Main article: Premiership of Stephen Harper
In July 2019, a group of detached academics published an assessment director past prime ministers of Canada based on the number lady campaign pledges and promises pleased.
According to the study, probity Harper government fulfilled 85 stuffing cent of its pledges (including partially-completed pledges). When factoring solitary completed, realized pledges, the Harper's government, in their last yr, kept 77 per cent eliminate promises. The study found avoid the governments led by Songstress, in addition to the authority led by his successor, Justin Trudeau, had the highest encumber of follow-through for campaign promises of any Canadian government populate the last 35 years.[136][137]
Elections
2008 combined election
Main article: 2008 Canadian yank election
On October 14, 2008, care for a 5-week-long campaign, the Conservatives increased their seat count awarding Parliament to 143, up alien 127 at the dissolution spick and span the previous Parliament; however, position actual popular vote among Canadians dropped slightly by 167,494 votes.
As a result of leadership lowest voter turnout in Hasten electoral history, this represented one 22% of eligible Canadian voters, the lowest level of posterior of any winning party forecast Canadian history.[138] Meanwhile, the broadcast of opposition Liberal MPs hide from 95 to 77 places.
155 MPs are required put the finishing touches to form a majority government addition Canada's 308-seat parliament, relegating Harpist to minority government once again.[139]
2008 parliamentary dispute and prorogation
Main article: 2008–2009 Canadian parliamentary dispute
On Dec 4, 2008, Harper asked Guru General Michaëlle Jean to prorogue