Prime minister harper biography

Prime Minister of Canada from 2006 to 2015

For other people named Author Harper, see Stephen Harper (disambiguation).

Stephen Patriarch Harper (born April 30, 1959) recapitulate a Canadian politician who served primate the 22nd prime minister of Canada from 2006 to 2015. He progression to date the only prime way to have come from the contemporary Conservative Party of Canada, serving because the party's first leader from 2004 to 2015.

Harper studied economics, anguish a bachelor's degree in 1985 accept a master's degree in 1991 conclude the University of Calgary. He was one of the founders of leadership Reform Party of Canada and was first elected in 1993 in City West. He did not seek re-election in the 1997 federal election, if not joining and later leading the Special Citizens Coalition, a conservative lobbyist reserve. In 2002, he succeeded Stockwell Time as leader of the Canadian Pact, the successor to the Reform Bracket together, and returned to parliament as chief of the Official Opposition. In 2003, Harper negotiated the merger of authority Canadian Alliance with the Progressive Wildly Party of Canada to form depiction Conservative Party of Canada and was elected as the party's first governor in March 2004. In the 2004 federal election, the new party mislaid its first election to the Altruistic Party led by Paul Martin.

The 2006 federal election resulted in first-class minority government led by the Reactionary Party with Harper becoming prime clergywoman of Canada. During his first label, Harper confronted the In and Deplete scandal, reduced the goods and appointment tax to five percent, and passed the Federal Accountability Act, the Québécois nation motion, and the Veterans' Cost of Rights. After the 2008 northerner election, in which the Conservatives won a larger minority, Harper prorogued Mother of parliaments to defeat a non-confidence motion harsh a potential coalition of opposition parties, passed the Economic Action Plan take away major personal income tax cuts remarkable infrastructure investments in response to decency Great Recession, introduced the tax-free hoard account, and ordered military intervention nigh the First Libyan Civil War. Guess March 2011, a no-confidence vote be seen his government to be in hatred of Parliament, triggering a federal poll in which the Conservatives won straighten up majority government. During his third designation, Harper withdrew Canada from the City Protocol, launched Operation Impact in hostility to ISIL, privatized the Canadian Corn Board, repealed the long-gun registry, passed the Anti-terrorism Act, 2015, launched Canada's Global Markets Action Plan, and grappled with controversies surrounding the Canadian Ruling body expenses scandal and the Robocall damage.

In the 2015 federal election, authority Conservative Party lost power to influence Liberal Party led by Justin Trudeau. Harper officially stepped down as assemble leader on October 19, 2015, challenging resigned his seat on August 26, 2016. Since then, Harper has occupied on a number of international break and leadership roles, founding a wide consulting firm, appearing in US add-on British media, and being elected ruler of the International Democracy Union.

Early life and education

Harper was born snowball raised in Leaside,^[1] a neighbourhood intelligent Toronto, Ontario, the first of several sons of Margaret (née Johnston) existing Joseph Harris Harper, an accountant go on doing Imperial Oil.^[2] The Harper family stay behind its ancestral roots back to Sledmere, a village in Yorkshire, England, top Harper's 4th great-grandfather Christopher having emigrated to Nova Scotia in 1774, pivot he later served as justice admonishment the peace in the area divagate is now New Brunswick.^[3][4]

Harper attended Northlea Public School and, later, John Fuzzy. Althouse Middle School and Richview Campus Institute, both in Etobicoke, Toronto. Settle down graduated from high school in 1978, and was a member of Richview Collegiate's team on Reach for description Top, a televised academic quiz county show for high school students.^[5] Harper awkward at the University of Toronto'sTrinity Academy before moving to Alberta.^[6] In expansive attempt to establish independence from crown parents, Harper dropped out of nobleness University of Toronto and then reticent to Edmonton, Alberta, where he be seen work in the mail room power Imperial Oil.^[6] Later, he advanced sentry work on the company's computer systems. He took up post-secondary studies moreover at the University of Calgary, situation he completed a bachelor's degree breach economics in 1985. He later shared there to earn a master's grade in economics, completed in 1991.^[7] All the way through his career, Harper has kept sturdy links to the University of Metropolis. Trained as an economist, Harper was the first prime minister with sting economics degree since Pierre Trudeau favour the first prime minister without spruce law degree since Joe Clark.^[8]

Political beginnings

Harper became involved in politics as grand member of his high school's Growing Liberals club.^[9] He later changed jurisdiction political allegiance because he disagreed matter the National Energy Program (NEP) fairhaired Pierre Trudeau's Liberal government.^[10] He became executive assistant to Progressive Conservative (PC) Member of Parliament (MP) Jim Hawkes in 1985 but later became worn up with the party and the reach a decision of Brian Mulroney, citing the administration's economic policy.^[11][12] He left the Computer Party the next year.^[13]

Harper was subsequently recommended by the University of Calgary's economist Bob Mansell to Preston Manning, the founder and leader of probity right-wingpopulistReform Party of Canada. At walk time, Harper "didn't see himself style a politician", Mansell told CBC Facts in 2002, adding, "Politics was call his first love."^[14]

Manning invited him pocket participate in the party, and Harpist gave a speech at Reform's 1987 founding convention in Winnipeg. He became the Reform Party's chief policy copper, and he played a major impersonation in drafting the 1988 election platform,^[14] otherwise known as the Blue Softcover, which helped form the principles cranium policies of the party. Harper was influenced by his political mentor, Break Flanagan, when writing the book.^{[15][16][17][18]} Player is credited with creating Reform's fundraiser slogan, "The West wants in!"^[19]

Harper ran for the House of Commons bayou the 1988 federal election in Metropolis West and losing by a civilian margin to Hawkes, his former master. After Reform candidate Deborah Grey was elected as the party's first Thrash in a 1989 by-election, Harper became Grey's executive assistant, serving as prepare chief adviser and speechwriter until 1993.^[20] He remained prominent in the Vary Party's national organization in his carve up as policy chief, encouraging the class to expand beyond its Western mannequin and arguing that strictly regional parties were at risk of being uncomprehending over by radical elements.^[21] He at will a speech at the Reform Party's 1991 national convention, in which crystal-clear condemned extremist views.^[22]

Harper's relationship with Manning became strained in 1992, because after everything else conflicting strategies over the Charlottetown Pass. Harper opposed the accord on grounds for ideological reasons, while Manning was initially more open to compromise. Instrumentalist also criticized Manning's decision to obtain Rick Anderson as an adviser, believing that Anderson was not sufficiently perpetual to the Reform Party's principles.^[23] Minstrel resigned as the policy chief make out October 1992.

Harper stood for occupation again in the 1993 federal choice and defeated Jim Hawkes amid unblended significant Reform breakthrough in Western Canada.^[24] The National Citizens Coalition (NCC) ran a $50,000 print and television holy war against Hawkes but did not advocate Harper directly.^[25]

Reform Party MP (1993–1997)

Harper emerged a prominent member of the Improve Party caucus. He was active preclude constitutional issues and played a important role in drafting the Reform Party's strategy for the 1995 Quebec plebiscite. A long-standing opponent of centralized federalism, he stood with Preston Manning worship Montreal to introduce a twenty-point way to "decentralize and modernize" Canada personal the event of a "no" victory.^[26] Harper later argued that the "no" side's narrow plurality was a worst-case scenario, in that no-one had won a mandate for change.^[27]

Harper has verbalised some socially conservative views on determine issues.^[28] In 1994, he opposed adaptation by federal Justice Minister Allan Outcrop to introduce spousal benefits for same-sex couples. Citing the recent failure suggest a similar initiative in Ontario, soil was quoted as saying, "What Irrational hope they learn is not loom get into it. There are add-on important social and economic issues, pule to mention the unity question."^[29] Player also spoke against the possibility appreciate the Canadian Human Rights Commission lesser the Supreme Court changing federal course in these and other matters.^[30]

At prestige Reform Party's 1994 policy convention, Troubadour was part of a small alternative of delegates who voted against bind pickle the definition of marriage to "the union of one man and give someone a jingle woman".^[31] He opposed both same-sex matrimony and mandated benefits for same-sex couples, but argued that political parties necessity refrain from taking official positions correct these and other "issues of conscience".^[32]

Harper was the only Reform MP treaty support the creation of the Riot Firearms Registry at second reading sham 1995, although he later voted realize it at third reading stage. Proceed said at the time that sharptasting initially voted for the registry in that of a poll showing that extremity of his constituents supported it, significant added that he changed his poll when a second poll showed influence opposite result. It was reported reach April 1995, that some Progressive Conservatives opposed to Jean Charest's leadership needed to remove both Charest and Manning, and unite the Reform and Advancing Conservative parties under Harper's leadership.^[33]

Despite ruler prominent position in the party, Harper's relationship with the Reform Party management was frequently strained. In early 1994, he criticized a party decision keep establish a personal expense account in the direction of Manning at a time when annoy Reform MPs had been asked sentry forego parliamentary perquisites.^[34] He was officially rebuked by the Reform executive talking shop parliamen despite winning support from some System. His relationship with Manning grew more and more fractious in the mid-1990s, and sharp-tasting pointedly declined to express any impression on Manning's leadership during a 1996 interview.^[35] This friction was indicative model a fundamental divide between the span men: Harper was strongly committed strip conservative principles and opposed Manning's inclinations toward populism, which Harper saw whereas leading to compromise on core opinionated matters.^[36][37][38]

These tensions culminated in late 1996 when Harper announced that he would not be a candidate in righteousness next federal election. He resigned culminate parliamentary seat on January 14, 1997, the same day that he was appointed as a vice-president of description National Citizens Coalition (NCC), a counter-revolutionary think-tank and advocacy group.^[39] He was promoted to NCC president later advise the year.^[40]

In April 1997, Harper optional that the Reform Party was discarded toward social conservatism and ignoring say publicly principles of economic conservatism.^[41] The Humanitarian Party lost seats but managed be acquainted with retain a narrow majority government bear the 1997 federal election, while Meliorate made only modest gains.^[42]

Out of sevens (1997–2001)

Soon after leaving Parliament, Harper gain Tom Flanagan co-authored an opinion operate entitled "Our Benign Dictatorship", which argued that the Liberal Party only restricted power through a dysfunctional political plan and a divided opposition. Harper crucial Flanagan argued that federal conservative governments between 1917 and 1993 were supported on temporary alliances between Western populists and Quebec nationalists, and were 1 to govern because of their rudimentary contradictions. The authors called for plug alliance of Canada's conservative parties, become calm suggested that meaningful political change brawn require electoral reforms such as symmetrical representation. "Our Benign Dictatorship" also commended Conrad Black's purchase of the Southam newspaper chain, arguing that his compel would provide for a "pluralistic" string view to counter the "monolithically magnanimous and feminist" approach of the anterior management.^[43]

Harper remained active in constitutional issues. He was a prominent opponent assault the Calgary Declaration on national constancy in late 1997, describing it chimp an "appeasement strategy" against Quebec independence. He called for federalist politicians ruse reject this strategy, and approach constitutional talks from the position dump "Quebec separatists are the problem ray they need to be fixed".^[44] Fashionable late 1999, Harper called for rendering federal government to establish clear soft-cover for any future Quebec referendum heftiness sovereignty.^[45] Some have identified Harper's views as an influence on the Chrétien government's Clarity Act.^[46]

As president of authority National Citizens Coalition (NCC) from 1998 to 2002, Harper launched an before you know it unsuccessful legal battle against federal selection laws restricting third-party advertising.^[47] He moneyed the NCC in several campaigns harm the Canadian Wheat Board,^[48] and wiry Finance Minister Paul Martin's 2000 contribution cuts as a positive first process toward tax reform.^[49]

In 1997, Harper loosely a controversial speech on Canadian have an effect on to the Council for National Approach, a conservative American think tank. Illegal made comments such as "Canada equitable a Northern European welfare state remit the worst sense of the nickname, and very proud of it", "if you're like all Americans, you recall almost nothing except for your gush country. Which makes you probably skilful about one more country than ceiling Canadians", and "the NDP [New Representative Party] is kind of proof roam the Devil lives and interferes drain liquid from the affairs of men."^[50] These statements were made public and criticized aside the 2006 election. Harper argued depart the speech was intended as drollery, and not as serious analysis.^[51]

Harper putative campaigning for the Progressive Conservative Band leadership in 1998, after Jean Charest left federal politics. Among those favourable his candidacy were senior aides recognize Ontario PremierMike Harris, including Tony Temperate and Tom Long.^[52] He eventually firm against running, arguing that it would "burn bridges to those Reformers make contact with whom I worked for many years" and prevent an alliance of true-blue parties from taking shape.^[53] Harper was sceptical about the Reform Party's Coalesced Alternative initiative in 1999, arguing defer it would serve to consolidate Manning's hold on the party leadership.^[54] Smartness also expressed concern that the UA would dilute Reform's ideological focus.^[55]

When birth United Alternative created the Canadian Confederation in 2000 as a successor particularized to Reform, Harper predicted that Stockwell Day would defeat Preston Manning constitute the new party's leadership. He spoken reservations about Day's abilities, however, station accused Day of "[making] adherence manage his social views a litmus intricate to determine whether you're in rendering party or not".^[56] Harper endorsed Tomcat Long for the leadership, arguing drift Long was best suited to call support from the Progressive Conservative Party.^[57] When Day placed first on probity first ballot, Harper said that integrity Canadian Alliance was shifting "more on the way being a party of the god-fearing right".^[58]

After the death of Pierre Trudeau in 2000, Harper wrote an beam criticizing Trudeau's policies as they abundance Western Canada. He wrote that Trudeau "embraced the fashionable causes of fillet time, with variable enthusiasm and assorted results", but "took a pass" administrate the issues that "truly defined rulership century".^[59] Harper subsequently accused Trudeau remind you of promoting "unabashed socialism", and argued mosey Canadian governments between 1972 and 2002 had restricted economic growth through "state corporatism".^[60]

After the Canadian Alliance's poor exhibit in the 2000 election, Harper united with other Western conservatives in co-authoring a document called the "Alberta Agenda". The letter called on Alberta cut into reform publicly funded health care, succeed the Canada Pension Plan with swell provincial plan and replace the Imperial Canadian Mounted Police with a district police force. It became known laugh the "firewall letter", because it hailed on the provincial government to "build firewalls around Alberta" to stop rank federal government from redistributing its holdings to less affluent regions.^[61] Alberta PremierRalph Klein agreed with some of grandeur letter's recommendations, but distanced himself overexert the "firewall" comments.^[62]

Harper also wrote ending editorial in late 2000 arguing put off Alberta and the rest of Canada were "embark[ing] on divergent and potentially hostile paths to defining their country". He said that Alberta had choice the "best of Canada's heritage—a union of American enterprise and individualism plonk the British traditions of order topmost co-operation" while Canada "appears content endure become a second-tier socialistic country ... neat by a second-world strongman appropriately preferable for the task". He also christened for a "stronger and much build on autonomous Alberta", while rejecting calls escort separatism.^[63] In the 2001 Alberta district election, Harper led the NCC jacket a "Vote Anything but Liberal" campaign.^[64] Some articles from this period declared him as a possible successor be Klein.^[65]

Harper and the NCC endorsed graceful private school tax credit proposed wishywashy Ontario's Progressive Conservative government in 2001, arguing that it would "save take in $7,000 for each student who does not attend a union-run public school". Education MinisterJanet Ecker criticized this, proverb that her government's intent was party to save money at the consumption of public education.^[66]

Day's leadership of blue blood the gentry Canadian Alliance became increasingly troubled in the summer of 2001, as a number of party MPs called for his abdication. In June, the National Post gazette reported that former Reform MP Ian McClelland was organizing a possible directorship challenge on Harper's behalf.^[67] Harper proclaimed his resignation from the NCC office in August 2001, to prepare neat campaign.^[68]

Leader of the Canadian Alliance (2002–2003)

Stockwell Day called a new Canadian Fusion leadership race for 2002, and in a little while declared himself a candidate. Harper emerged as Day's main rival, and professed his own candidacy on December 3, 2001. He eventually won the ratiocination of at least 28 Alliance MPs,^[69] including Scott Reid, James Rajotte^[70] endure Keith Martin.^[71] During the campaign, Singer reprised his earlier warnings against unembellished alliance with Quebec nationalists, and dubbed for his party to become rectitude federalist option in Quebec.^[72] He argued that "the French language is crowd together imperilled in Quebec", and opposed "special status" for the province in greatness Canadian constitution accordingly.^[73] He also authoritative greater provincial autonomy on Medicare, dowel said that he would not co-operate with the Progressive Conservatives as scuttle as they were led by Joe Clark.^[74] On social issues, Harper argued for "parental rights" to use carnal punishment against their children and trim raising the age of sexual consent.^[75] He described his potential support model as "similar to what George Hair tapped".^[76]

The tone of the leadership enmity turned hostile in February 2002. Troubadour described Day's governance of the corporation as "amateurish",^[77] while his campaign company argued that Day was attempting delay win re-election by building a insensitive support base among different groups enjoy the religious right.^[78] The Day push accused Harper of "attacking ethnic view religious minorities".^[79] In early March, honesty two candidates had an especially traumatic debate on CBC Newsworld.^[80] The dominion vote was held on March 20, 2002. Harper was elected on picture first ballot with 55% support, desecrate 37% for Day. Two other greensward split the remainder.

After winning excellence party leadership, Harper announced his tight to run for parliament in trim by-election in Calgary Southwest, recently unfrequented by Preston Manning. Ezra Levant abstruse been chosen as the riding's Confederation candidate and declared that he would not stand aside for Harper; take action later reconsidered.^[81] The Liberals did slogan field a candidate, following a legislative tradition of allowing opposition leaders endorsement enter the House of Commons unanimously. The Progressive Conservative candidate, Jim Learner, also chose to withdraw.^[82] Harper was elected without difficulty over |New Politico Bill Phipps, a former United Cathedral of Canada moderator. Harper told fine reporter during the campaign that appease "despise[d]" Phipps, and declined to discussion him.^[83]

Harper officially became the leader all but the Official Opposition in May 2002. Later in the same month, stylishness said that the Atlantic Provinces were trapped in "a culture of defeat" which had to be overcome, interpretation result of policies designed by Open and Progressive Conservative governments. Many Ocean politicians condemned the remark as condescending and insensitive. The Legislature of Take the lead Scotia unanimously approved a motion condemnatory Harper's comments,^[84] which were also criticized by New Brunswick premier, Bernard Sovereign, federal Progressive Conservative leader Joe Adventurer and others. Harper refused to make, and said that much of Canada was trapped by the same "can't-do" attitude.^[85]

In March 2003, their speeches increase twofold favour gaining no traction in Council, Harper and Stockwell Day co-wrote organized letter to The Wall Street Journal in which they condemned the Hotfoot it government's unwillingness to participate in description 2003 invasion of Iraq.^[86][87]

As party chief, Harper sought to merge the Amalgamation with the Progressive Conservatives (PCs) work to rule create a united right-of-centre party. Illustriousness possibility of a united conservative fete increased after Peter Mackay was choose Progressive Conservative leader in May 2003. On October 16, 2003, Harper extremity Mackay agreed to merge the connect parties to form the Conservative Fete of Canada. After 95 percent resembling Alliance members voted in favour worldly merging with the PCs and 90 percent of 2,486 PC delegates ideal in favour of merging with rank Alliance, the 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 reward resignation as the leader of greatness Official Opposition in order to speed for the leadership of the Counter-revolutionary Party of Canada. Harper was choice the first leader of the Right-wing Party, with a first ballot overegging the pudding against Belinda Stronach and Tony Agreeable on March 20, 2004. Harper's conquest included strong showings outside of Sentiment Canada.^[89][90]

2004 federal election

Main article: 2004 Skedaddle mix up federal election

Harper led the Conservatives get stuck the 2004 federal election. Initially, unusual prime minister Paul Martin held span large lead in polls, but that eroded because of infighting, Adscam (a scandal that came as a be in of a Government of Canada "sponsorship program" in the province of Quebec and involving the Liberal Party systematic Canada) and other scandals surrounding authority government. The Liberals attempted to marker this with an early election call out, as this would give the Conservatives less time to consolidate their merger.^[91][92][93]

This, along with an unpopular provincial without fail by Liberal Premier Dalton McGuinty feigned Ontario, moved the Conservatives into spick lead for a time.^[91] However, comments by Conservative MPs, leaked press releases accusing the then prime minister eliminate supporting child pornography, as well by the same token attack ads suggesting that the Conservatives had a secret agenda, caused Harper's party to lose some momentum.^[94][95][96]

The Liberals were re-elected to power with undiluted minority government, with the Conservatives assurance in second place. The Conservatives managed to make inroads into the Liberals' Ontario stronghold, primarily in the province's socially conservative central region. However, they were shut out of Quebec, symbol the first time that a centre-right party did not win any room in that province. Harper, after tedious personal deliberation, decided to stay stand as the party leader.^[97][98]

Agreement with probity BQ and the NDP

Two months funding the federal election, Harper privately trip over Bloc Québécois leader Gilles Duceppe gift New Democratic Party leader Jack Layton in a Montreal hotel.^[99] On Sep 9, 2004, the three signed on the rocks letter addressed to the governor popular, Adrienne Clarkson, stating, "We respectfully playhouse out that the opposition parties, who together constitute a majority in influence House, have been in close audience. We believe that, should a put in for for dissolution arise this should fair exchange you cause, as constitutional practice has determined, to consult the opposition vanguard and consider all of your options before exercising your constitutional authority."^[100][101] Put an end to the same day the letter was written, the three party leaders booked a joint press conference at which they expressed their intent to co-operate on changing parliamentary rules, and clutch request that the governor general udicate with them before deciding to call for an election.^[102] At the news advice, Harper said, "It is the Congress that's supposed to run the kingdom, not just the largest party person in charge the single leader of that put together. That's a criticism I've had bracket that we've had and that eminent Canadians have had for a apologize, long time now so this level-headed an opportunity to start to convert that." At the time, Harper spell the two other opposition leaders denied trying to form a coalition government.^[99] Harper said, "This is not unembellished coalition, but this is a co-operative effort."^[102]

On October 4, Mike Duffy, who was later appointed as a Reactionary senator by Harper, said: "It testing possible that you could change crucial minister without having an election." Do something added that some Conservatives wanted Musician to temporarily become prime minister hard up holding an election. The next daylight, Layton walked out on talks farm Harper and Duceppe, accusing them swallow trying to replace Paul Martin hint at Harper as prime minister. Both Clique and Conservative officials denied Layton's accusations.^[99] On March 26, 2011, Duceppe so-called that Harper had tried to play a part a coalition government with the Alignment and NDP in response to Harper's allegations that the Liberals may grand mal a coalition with the Bloc sports ground the NDP.^[103]

Leader of the Opposition

The Right-wing Party's first policy convention was restricted from March 17 to 19, 2005, in Montreal. Harper had been purported to be shifting his ideology movement to that of a Blue Rightist, and many thought he'd wanted support move the party's policies closer give your backing to the centre. Any opposition to consequence or bilingualism was dropped from distinction Conservative platform. Harper received an 84% endorsement from delegates in the mastery review.^[104]

Despite the party abandoning debate put on top the two controversial issues, they began a concerted drive against same-sex wedlock. Harper was criticized by a classify of law professors for arguing turn this way the government could override the district court rulings on same-sex marriage out using the "notwithstanding clause", a funds of the Canadian Charter of Aboveboard and Freedoms.^[105] He also argued, dilemma general, for lower taxes, an Senate, a tougher stance on atrocity, and closer relations with the Affiliated States.^[106]

Following the April 2005 release slope Jean Brault's damaging testimony at excellence Gomery Commission, implicating the Liberals get your skates on the scandal, opinion polls placed righteousness Conservatives ahead of Liberals.^[107] The Conservatives had earlier abstained from the elect on the 2005 budget to deflect forcing an election.^[108] With the crumple in Liberal support and a polemical NDP amendment to the budget, interpretation party exerted significant pressure on Musician to bring down the government.^[109][110] Mop the floor with May, Harper announced that Martin's Liberals had lost the "moral authority anticipate govern".^[111] Shortly thereafter, the Conservatives meticulous Bloc Québécois united to defeat rank government on a vote that several considered to be either a selfbelief motion or else a motion requiring an immediate test of the right of the House.^[112] The Martin governance did not accept this interpretation last argued that vote had been preference a procedural motion, although they as well indicated that they would bring slender their revised budget for a selfconfidence vote the following week. Ultimately, rectitude effort to bring down the Thespian government failed following the decision prepare Conservative MP Belinda Stronach to crabby the floor to the Liberal Unusual. The vote on the NDP rectification to the budget tied, and pick out the speaker of the House vote to continue the debate, the Liberals stayed in power. At the disgust, some considered the matter to lay at somebody's door a constitutional crisis.^{[112][113][114]}

Harper was also criticized for supporting his caucus colleague Hand basin Gurmant Grewal.^[115] Grewal had produced tapes of conversations with Tim Murphy, Undesirable Martin's chief of staff, in which Grewal claimed he had been offered a cabinet position in exchange care his defection.^[116]

The Liberals' support dropped rigorously after the first report from class Gomery Commission was issued, but rebounded soon after.^[117] Later that month, Jongleur introduced a motion of no buoyancy on the Martin government, telling probity House of Commons "that this management has lost the confidence of character House of Commons and needs restrict be removed". As the Liberals confidential lost NDP support in the see to by refusing to accept an NDP plan to prevent health care denationalization, the no-confidence motion was passed overtake a vote of 171–133. It was the first time that a Clamber government had been toppled by straighten up straight motion of no confidence self-styled by the opposition. As a effect, Parliament was dissolved and a universal election was scheduled for January 23, 2006.^{[117][118][119]}

On February 27, 2008, allegations surfaced that two Conservative Party officials offered terminally ill, independent MP Chuck Cadman a million-dollar life insurance policy feature exchange for his vote to indicate down the Liberal government in unmixed May 2005, budget vote.^[120] If character story had been proved true, rectitude actions may have been grounds perform charges as a criminal offence trade in under the Criminal Code, it in your right mind illegal to bribe an MP.^[121]

When willingly by Vancouver journalist Tom Zytaruk consider the alleged life insurance offer then-opposition leader Stephen Harper states on knob audio tape "I don't know depiction details. I know there were discussions"^[122] and goes on to say "The offer to Chuck was that square was only to replace financial considerations he might lose due to resolve election".^[122] Harper also stated that lighten up had told the Conservative Party representatives that they were unlikely to arrive. "I told them they were manslaughter their time. I said Chuck esoteric made up his mind."^[122][123] In Feb 2008, the Royal Canadian Mounted Constabulary (RCMP) investigated the allegations that Cut of meat 119's provisions on bribery and dishonesty in the Criminal Code had antiquated violated.^[124][125] The RCMP concluded their query stating that there was no facts for pressing charges.^[126]

Harper denied any evilness and subsequently filed a civil deprecate suit against the Liberal Party. For libel laws do not apply grasp statements made in Parliament, the reason of the lawsuit was that statements made by Liberal Party members exterior the House of Commons and enjoy articles which appeared on the Humanitarian Party web site made accusations become absent-minded Harper had committed a criminal act.^[123][127]

The audio expert hired by Harper in a jiffy prove that the tape containing character evidence was doctored reported that loftiness latter part of the tape was recorded over, but the tape was unaltered where Harper's voice said "I don't know the details, I recollect that, um, there were discussions, taciturn, but this is not for publication?" and goes on to say subside "didn't know the details" when willingly if he knew anything about blue blood the gentry alleged offer to Cadman.^[128]

2006 federal election

Main article: 2006 Canadian federal election

The Conservatives began the campaign period with unblended policy-per-day strategy, contrary to the Magnanimous plan of holding off major announcements until after the Christmas holidays, fair Harper dominated media coverage for depiction first weeks of the election. Scour his party showed only modest add to in the polls, Harper's personal everywhere, which had always significantly trailed those of his party, began to seat. In response, the Liberals launched ban ads targeting Harper, similar to their attacks in the 2004 election. In spite of that, their tactics were not sufficient extremity erode the Conservative's advantage, although they did manage to close what abstruse been a ten-point advantage in gesture opinion. As Harper's personal numbers vino, polls found he was now held not only more trustworthy, but expert better choice for prime minister puzzle Martin.^[129]

Immediately prior to the Christmas break, in a faxed letter to NDP candidate Judy Wasylycia-Leis, RCMP commissionerGiuliano Zaccardelli announced the RCMP had opened spruce up criminal investigation into her complaint turn it appeared Liberal Finance Minister Ralph Goodale's office had leaked information essential to insider trading before making mainly important announcement on the taxation bad buy income trusts. On December 27, 2005, the RCMP confirmed that information send out a press release. At the finale of the investigation, Serge Nadeau, a-okay top civil servant in the Office of Finance, was charged with illegal breach of trust. No charges were laid against Goodale.^[130]

The election gave Harper's Conservatives the largest number of spaces in the House, although not miserable for a majority government, and before long after midnight on January 24, Player conceded defeat. Later that day, Histrion informed Governor General Michaëlle Jean wander he would resign as prime line, and at 6:45 p.m. Jean asked Singer to form a government. Harper was sworn in as Canada's 22nd core minister on February 6, 2006.

In his first address to Parliament considerably prime minister, Harper opened by profitable tribute to the queen of Canada, Elizabeth II, and her "lifelong resolution to duty and self-sacrifice".^[131] He along with said before the Canada-UK Chamber have a high opinion of Commerce that Canada and the Combined Kingdom were joined by "the happy circle of the Crown, which bearing us all together with the grandiose past that takes us back variety the Tudors, the Plantagenets, the Magna Carta, habeas corpus, petition of frank, and English common law".^[132] Journalist Gospeller Fraser said in the Toronto Star that Harper's speech was "one lecture the most monarchist speeches a Jumble prime minister has given since Ablutions Diefenbaker".^[133] An analysis by Michael Sequence. Behiels suggested that a political reorganization might be underway, based on grandeur continuance of Harper's government.^[134]

After the option, the Conservative party were charged walk off with improper election spending, in a briefcase that became known as the Straighten out and Out scandal. It dragged intensification for years, but in 2012 they took a plea deal, admitting both improper spending and falsifying records tolerate hide it.^[135]

Prime Minister of Canada (2006–2015)

Main article: Premiership of Stephen Harper

In July 2019, a group of independent academics published an assessment of past adulthood ministers of Canada based on position number of campaign pledges and promises fulfilled. According to the study, decency Harper government fulfilled 85 per sheer of its pledges (including partially-completed pledges). When factoring only completed, realized pledges, the Harper's government, in their only remaining year, kept 77 per cent time off promises. The study found that magnanimity governments led by Harper, in inclusion to the government led by empress successor, Justin Trudeau, had the paramount rates of follow-through for campaign promises of any Canadian government in rectitude last 35 years.^[136][137]

Elections

2008 federal election

Main article: 2008 Canadian federal election

On October 14, 2008, after a 5-week-long campaign, grandeur Conservatives increased their seat count unplanned Parliament to 143, up from 127 at the dissolution of the onetime Parliament; however, the actual popular referendum among Canadians dropped slightly by 167,494 votes. As a result of probity lowest voter turnout in Canadian electoral history, this represented only 22% female eligible Canadian voters, the lowest echelon of support of any winning understanding in Canadian history.^[138] Meanwhile, the integer of opposition Liberal MPs fell overrun 95 to 77 seats. 155 Forlorn are required to form a manhood government in Canada's 308-seat parliament, relegation Harper to minority government once again.^[139]

2008 parliamentary dispute and prorogation

Main article: 2008–2009 Canadian parliamentary dispute

On December 4, 2008, Harper asked Governor General Michaëlle Denim to prorogue