| Stephen Harper | |
|---|---|
| File:Stephen Harper 2014.jpg Stephen Harper in 2014 |
|
| Prime Minister of Canada | |
| In office | February 6, 2006 – November 4, 2015 |
| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Governor General | Michaëlle Jean; David Johnston |
| Preceded by | Paul Martin |
| Succeeded by | Justin Trudeau |
| Personal details | |
| Born | April 30, 1959 Toronto, Ontario |
| Died | |
| Political party | Conservative |
Stephen Joseph Harper (born April 30, 1959) was the 22nd Prime Minister of Canada, serving from 2006 to 2015. He was the first leader of the modern Conservative Party of Canada and is remembered for his focus on economic management, foreign policy, and conservative social policies.
Early life and education
Harper was born in Toronto, Ontario, and raised in Leaside before moving to Alberta. He studied economics at the University of Calgary, where he became active in conservative politics. He worked as an economist before entering federal politics.
Political career
Harper was first elected as a Reform Party MP in 1993. After briefly leaving politics, he returned as leader of the Canadian Alliance in 2002. In 2003, he helped merge the Alliance with the Progressive Conservatives to form the modern Conservative Party of Canada. He became party leader in 2004.
Prime Ministership
Harper became Prime Minister after winning the 2006 election, initially leading a minority government before securing a majority in 2011. His government was marked by:
- Navigating Canada through the 2008 global financial crisis with stimulus spending and stable banking policies.
- Reducing the Goods and Services Tax (GST) from 7% to 5%.
- Strengthening ties with allies, particularly the United States, while taking firm stances on issues like Israel and Arctic sovereignty.
- Passing tough-on-crime legislation and reforms to immigration policy.
- Ending Canada’s long-gun registry in 2012.
Harper’s leadership style was often described as disciplined and tightly controlled.
Later life
After losing the 2015 election to Justin Trudeau, Harper resigned as Conservative leader. He later founded a consulting firm, authored a book on conservative politics, and remained active in international affairs and business.
Legacy
Harper is remembered as a pragmatic and strategic leader who reshaped Canadian conservatism. His economic management during the global financial crisis and his foreign policy decisions are central to his legacy.
See also
FAQs
Q: How long did Stephen Harper serve as Prime Minister? A: Nearly 10 years, from 2006 to 2015.
Q: What was Harper’s main economic achievement? A: Steering Canada through the 2008 global financial crisis with relatively low damage compared to other countries.
Q: What major tax change did Harper’s government implement? A: The GST was reduced from 7% to 5%.