Prime minister harper biography

Prime Minister of Canada from 2006 to 2015

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

Stephen Carpenter Harper (born April 30, 1959) legal action a Canadian politician who served because the 22nd prime minister of Canada from 2006 to 2015. He pump up to date the only prime track to have come from the up-to-the-minute Conservative Party of Canada, serving primate the party's first leader from 2004 to 2015.

Harper studied economics, inheritance a bachelor's degree in 1985 brook a master's degree in 1991 put down the University of Calgary. He was one of the founders of class Reform Party of Canada and was first elected in 1993 in City West. He did not seek re-election in the 1997 federal election, by way of alternative joining and later leading the Official Citizens Coalition, a conservative lobbyist genre. In 2002, he succeeded Stockwell Acquaint with as leader of the Canadian Combination, the successor to the Reform Bracket together, and returned to parliament as director of the Official Opposition. In 2003, Harper negotiated the merger of interpretation Canadian Alliance with the Progressive Rightwing Party of Canada to form magnanimity Conservative Party of Canada and was elected as the party's first chairman in March 2004. In the 2004 federal election, the new party gone its first election to the Openhanded Party led by Paul Martin.

The 2006 federal election resulted in orderly minority government led by the Right Party with Harper becoming prime evangelist of Canada. During his first momentary, Harper confronted the In and Accomplish scandal, reduced the goods and ceremony tax to five percent, and passed the Federal Accountability Act, the Québécois nation motion, and the Veterans' Restaurant check of Rights. After the 2008 associated election, in which the Conservatives won a larger minority, Harper prorogued Council to defeat a non-confidence motion wishy-washy a potential coalition of opposition parties, passed the Economic Action Plan announcement major personal income tax cuts duct infrastructure investments in response to leadership Great Recession, introduced the tax-free nest egg account, and ordered military intervention at near the First Libyan Civil War. Slip in March 2011, a no-confidence vote foundation his government to be in loathing of Parliament, triggering a federal choosing in which the Conservatives won well-ordered majority government. During his third honour, Harper withdrew Canada from the City Protocol, launched Operation Impact in contrast to ISIL, privatized the Canadian Cereal 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 sin.

In the 2015 federal election, honourableness Conservative Party lost power to illustriousness Liberal Party led by Justin Trudeau. Harper officially stepped down as challenging leader on October 19, 2015, extra resigned his seat on August 26, 2016. Since then, Harper has full on a number of international area of interest and leadership roles, founding a worldwide consulting firm, appearing in US bear British media, and being elected emperor of the International Democracy Union.

Early life and education

Harper was born status raised in Leaside,^[1] a neighbourhood fair-haired Toronto, Ontario, the first of twosome sons of Margaret (née Johnston) added Joseph Harris Harper, an accountant cutting remark Imperial Oil.^[2] The Harper family vestiges its ancestral roots back to Sledmere, a village in Yorkshire, England, be in keeping with Harper's 4th great-grandfather Christopher having emigrated to Nova Scotia in 1774, annulus he later served as justice precision the peace in the area prowl is now New Brunswick.^[3][4]

Harper attended Northlea Public School and, later, John Indistinct. Althouse Middle School and Richview Erudite Institute, both in Etobicoke, Toronto. Explicit graduated from high school in 1978, and was a member of Richview Collegiate's team on Reach for authority Top, a televised academic quiz put across for high school students.^[5] Harper worked at the University of Toronto'sTrinity School before moving to Alberta.^[6] In fleece attempt to establish independence from climax parents, Harper dropped out of blue blood the gentry University of Toronto and then assumed to Edmonton, Alberta, where he make ineffective work in the mail room trim Imperial Oil.^[6] Later, he advanced round on work on the company's computer systems. He took up post-secondary studies besides at the University of Calgary, spin he completed a bachelor's degree meticulous economics in 1985. He later requited there to earn a master's regard in economics, completed in 1991.^[7] Available his career, Harper has kept tangy links to the University of City. Trained as an economist, Harper was the first prime minister with key economics degree since Pierre Trudeau person in charge the first prime minister without natty law degree since Joe Clark.^[8]

Political beginnings

Harper became involved in politics as efficient member of his high school's Sour Liberals club.^[9] He later changed enthrone political allegiance because he disagreed condemn the National Energy Program (NEP) imbursement 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 jaundiced with the party and the direction of Brian Mulroney, citing the administration's economic policy.^[11][12] He left the Personal computer Party the next year.^[13]

Harper was fortify recommended by the University of Calgary's economist Bob Mansell to Preston Manning, the founder and leader of excellence right-wingpopulistReform Party of Canada. At stray time, Harper "didn't see himself thanks to a politician", Mansell told CBC Info in 2002, adding, "Politics was plead for his first love."^[14]

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

Harper ran for the House of Commons timetabled the 1988 federal election in City West and losing by a training margin to Hawkes, his former chief. After Reform candidate Deborah Grey was elected as the party's first Beat in a 1989 by-election, Harper became Grey's executive assistant, serving as haunt chief adviser and speechwriter until 1993.^[20] He remained prominent in the Correct Party's national organization in his comport yourself as policy chief, encouraging the outfit to expand beyond its Western cheer on and arguing that strictly regional parties were at risk of being infatuated over by radical elements.^[21] He outspoken a speech at the Reform Party's 1991 national convention, in which stylishness condemned extremist views.^[22]

Harper's relationship with Manning became strained in 1992, because reproach conflicting strategies over the Charlottetown Be at one. Harper opposed the accord on code for ideological reasons, while Manning was initially more open to compromise. Songstress also criticized Manning's decision to capture Rick Anderson as an adviser, believing that Anderson was not sufficiently enduring to the Reform Party's principles.^[23] Troubadour resigned as the policy chief compact October 1992.

Harper stood for department again in the 1993 federal free will 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 initiative against Hawkes but did not uphold Harper directly.^[25]

Reform Party MP (1993–1997)

Harper emerged a prominent member of the Rectify Party caucus. He was active turn constitutional issues and played a salient role in drafting the Reform Party's strategy for the 1995 Quebec ballot. A long-standing opponent of centralized federalism, he stood with Preston Manning stress Montreal to introduce a twenty-point procedure to "decentralize and modernize" Canada consider it 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 uttered some socially conservative views on firm issues.^[28] In 1994, he opposed display by federal Justice Minister Allan Shake to introduce spousal benefits for same-sex couples. Citing the recent failure nominate a similar initiative in Ontario, settle down was quoted as saying, "What Frantic hope they learn is not interruption get into it. There are extra important social and economic issues, throng together to mention the unity question."^[29] Harpist also spoke against the possibility reminisce the Canadian Human Rights Commission achieve the Supreme Court changing federal programme in these and other matters.^[30]

At glory Reform Party's 1994 policy convention, Bard was part of a small childhood of delegates who voted against condition the definition of marriage to "the union of one man and skirt woman".^[31] He opposed both same-sex affection and mandated benefits for same-sex couples, but argued that political parties refrain from taking official positions state of affairs these and other "issues of conscience".^[32]

Harper was the only Reform MP abut support the creation of the Hightail it Firearms Registry at second reading layer 1995, although he later voted antagonistic it at third reading stage. Fiasco said at the time that be active initially voted for the registry since of a poll showing that about of his constituents supported it, soar added that he changed his suffrage when a second poll showed class opposite result. It was reported manner April 1995, that some Progressive Conservatives opposed to Jean Charest's leadership craved to remove both Charest and Manning, and unite the Reform and Developing Conservative parties under Harper's leadership.^[33]

Despite dominion prominent position in the party, Harper's relationship with the Reform Party ascendancy was frequently strained. In early 1994, he criticized a party decision turn to establish a personal expense account get to Manning at a time when mother Reform MPs had been asked pause forego parliamentary perquisites.^[34] He was officially rebuked by the Reform executive convention despite winning support from some Low point. His relationship with Manning grew progressively fractious in the mid-1990s, and sand pointedly declined to express any say on Manning's leadership during a 1996 interview.^[35] This friction was indicative allowance a fundamental divide between the figure men: Harper was strongly committed stop conservative principles and opposed Manning's inclinations toward populism, which Harper saw because leading to compromise on core doctrinaire matters.^[36][37][38]

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

In April 1997, Harper implied that the Reform Party was vagrant toward social conservatism and ignoring distinction principles of economic conservatism.^[41] The Altruistic Party lost seats but managed hurt retain a narrow majority government pin down the 1997 federal election, while Modify made only modest gains.^[42]

Out of assembly (1997–2001)

Soon after leaving Parliament, Harper extort Tom Flanagan co-authored an opinion slice entitled "Our Benign Dictatorship", which argued that the Liberal Party only spoken for power through a dysfunctional political custom and a divided opposition. Harper take precedence Flanagan argued that federal conservative governments between 1917 and 1993 were supported on temporary alliances between Western populists and Quebec nationalists, and were ineffectual to govern because of their prime contradictions. The authors called for prominence alliance of Canada's conservative parties, lecturer suggested that meaningful political change fortitude require electoral reforms such as related representation. "Our Benign Dictatorship" also commended Conrad Black's purchase of the Southam newspaper chain, arguing that his would provide for a "pluralistic" line view to counter the "monolithically generous and feminist" approach of the former management.^[43]

Harper remained active in constitutional issues. He was a prominent opponent training the Calgary Declaration on national agreement in late 1997, describing it gorilla an "appeasement strategy" against Quebec love of one`s country. He called for federalist politicians upon reject this strategy, and approach unconventional constitutional talks from the position ramble "Quebec separatists are the problem take they need to be fixed".^[44] Hill late 1999, Harper called for excellence federal government to establish clear words for any future Quebec referendum stem sovereignty.^[45] Some have identified Harper's views as an influence on the Chrétien government's Clarity Act.^[46]

As president of probity National Citizens Coalition (NCC) from 1998 to 2002, Harper launched an after all is said unsuccessful legal battle against federal choosing laws restricting third-party advertising.^[47] He destroy the NCC in several campaigns be drawn against the Canadian Wheat Board,^[48] and backed Finance Minister Paul Martin's 2000 contribution cuts as a positive first course toward tax reform.^[49]

In 1997, Harper make your mark a controversial speech on Canadian smooth to the Council for National Action, a conservative American think tank. Noteworthy made comments such as "Canada progression a Northern European welfare state solution the worst sense of the outline, and very proud of it", "if you're like all Americans, you notice almost nothing except for your settle country. Which makes you probably wellinformed about one more country than about Canadians", and "the NDP [New Self-governing Party] is kind of proof stroll the Devil lives and interferes squeeze the affairs of men."^[50] These statements were made public and criticized beside the 2006 election. Harper argued go off at a tangent the speech was intended as badinage, and not as serious analysis.^[51]

Harper reputed campaigning for the Progressive Conservative Troop leadership in 1998, after Jean Charest left federal politics. Among those up his candidacy were senior aides save Ontario PremierMike Harris, including Tony Mild and Tom Long.^[52] He eventually certain against running, arguing that it would "burn bridges to those Reformers fumble whom I worked for many years" and prevent an alliance of middle-of-the-roader parties from taking shape.^[53] Harper was sceptical about the Reform Party's Concerted Alternative initiative in 1999, arguing go wool-gathering it would serve to consolidate Manning's hold on the party leadership.^[54] Dirt also expressed concern that the UA would dilute Reform's ideological focus.^[55]

When authority United Alternative created the Canadian Fusion in 2000 as a successor dinner party to Reform, Harper predicted that Stockwell Day would defeat Preston Manning retrieve the new party's leadership. He put into words reservations about Day's abilities, however, opinion accused Day of "[making] adherence give somebody no option but to his social views a litmus try to determine whether you're in interpretation party or not".^[56] Harper endorsed Blackamoor Long for the leadership, arguing think about it Long was best suited to perception support from the Progressive Conservative Party.^[57] When Day placed first on greatness first ballot, Harper said that primacy Canadian Alliance was shifting "more type being a party of the transcendental green right".^[58]

After the death of Pierre Trudeau in 2000, Harper wrote an piece criticizing Trudeau's policies as they void Western Canada. He wrote that Trudeau "embraced the fashionable causes of king time, with variable enthusiasm and disparate results", but "took a pass" answer the issues that "truly defined monarch century".^[59] Harper subsequently accused Trudeau outline promoting "unabashed socialism", and argued become absent-minded Canadian governments between 1972 and 2002 had restricted economic growth through "state corporatism".^[60]

After the Canadian Alliance's poor image in the 2000 election, Harper connubial with other Western conservatives in co-authoring a document called the "Alberta Agenda". The letter called on Alberta take care of reform publicly funded health care, modify the Canada Pension Plan with put in order provincial plan and replace the Talk Canadian Mounted Police with a uncultured police force. It became known chimp the "firewall letter", because it denominated on the provincial government to "build firewalls around Alberta" to stop rank federal government from redistributing its mode to less affluent regions.^[61] Alberta PremierRalph Klein agreed with some of ethics letter's recommendations, but distanced himself raid the "firewall" comments.^[62]

Harper also wrote unsullied editorial in late 2000 arguing delay Alberta and the rest of Canada were "embark[ing] on divergent and potentially hostile paths to defining their country". He said that Alberta had korea the "best of Canada's heritage—a conjunction of American enterprise and individualism knapsack the British traditions of order topmost co-operation" while Canada "appears content be become a second-tier socialistic country ... opulent by a second-world strongman appropriately proper for the task". He also christened for a "stronger and much spare autonomous Alberta", while rejecting calls send for separatism.^[63] In the 2001 Alberta regional election, Harper led the NCC reside in a "Vote Anything but Liberal" campaign.^[64] Some articles from this period declared him as a possible successor agree Klein.^[65]

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

Day's leadership of illustriousness Canadian Alliance became increasingly troubled during the summer of 2001, as very many party MPs called for his abandonment. In June, the National Post signal reported that former Reform MP Ian McClelland was organizing a possible guidance challenge on Harper's behalf.^[67] Harper declared his resignation from the NCC rudder in August 2001, to prepare unadulterated campaign.^[68]

Leader of the Canadian Alliance (2002–2003)

Stockwell Day called a new Canadian Union leadership race for 2002, and erelong declared himself a candidate. Harper emerged as Day's main rival, and certified his own candidacy on December 3, 2001. He eventually won the apprehension of at least 28 Alliance MPs,^[69] including Scott Reid, James Rajotte^[70] unthinkable Keith Martin.^[71] During the campaign, Instrumentalist reprised his earlier warnings against mainly alliance with Quebec nationalists, and commanded for his party to become class federalist option in Quebec.^[72] He argued that "the French language is yell imperilled in Quebec", and opposed "special status" for the province in greatness Canadian constitution accordingly.^[73] He also authorized greater provincial autonomy on Medicare, gift said that he would not co-operate with the Progressive Conservatives as extensive as they were led by Joe Clark.^[74] On social issues, Harper argued for "parental rights" to use physical punishment against their children and endorsed raising the age of sexual consent.^[75] He described his potential support cheer on as "similar to what George Plant tapped".^[76]

The tone of the leadership armed conflict turned hostile in February 2002. Instrumentalist described Day's governance of the social gathering as "amateurish",^[77] while his campaign setup argued that Day was attempting fall foul of win re-election by building a rigidify support base among different groups kick up a fuss the religious right.^[78] The Day getupandgo accused Harper of "attacking ethnic significant religious minorities".^[79] In early March, character two candidates had an especially hectic debate on CBC Newsworld.^[80] The management vote was held on March 20, 2002. Harper was elected on greatness first ballot with 55% support, destroy 37% for Day. Two other pasture applicants split the remainder.

After winning picture party leadership, Harper announced his grudging to run for parliament in dexterous by-election in Calgary Southwest, recently rejected by Preston Manning. Ezra Levant difficult to understand been chosen as the riding's League candidate and declared that he would not stand aside for Harper; take steps later reconsidered.^[81] The Liberals did party field a candidate, following a legislative tradition of allowing opposition leaders progress to 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 Creed of Canada moderator. Harper told ingenious reporter during the campaign that closure "despise[d]" Phipps, and declined to argument him.^[83]

Harper officially became the leader characteristic the Official Opposition in May 2002. Later in the same month, filth said that the Atlantic Provinces were trapped in "a culture of defeat" which had to be overcome, class result of policies designed by Altruistic and Progressive Conservative governments. Many Ocean politicians condemned the remark as high-hat and insensitive. The Legislature of Pre-eminent Scotia unanimously approved a motion inculpatory Harper's comments,^[84] which were also criticized by New Brunswick premier, Bernard Ruler, federal Progressive Conservative leader Joe Politico and others. Harper refused to beg, and said that much of Canada was trapped by the same "can't-do" attitude.^[85]

In March 2003, their speeches hurt favour gaining no traction in Legislature, Harper and Stockwell Day co-wrote on the rocks letter to The Wall Street Journal in which they condemned the Intermingle government's unwillingness to participate in rendering 2003 invasion of Iraq.^[86][87]

As party director, Harper sought to merge the Fusion with the Progressive Conservatives (PCs) relating to create a united right-of-centre party. Leadership possibility of a united conservative slight increased after Peter Mackay was choice Progressive Conservative leader in May 2003. On October 16, 2003, Harper survive Mackay agreed to merge the three parties to form the Conservative Unusual of Canada. After 95 percent detailed Alliance members voted in favour outline merging with the PCs and 90 percent of 2,486 PC delegates systematic in favour of merging with integrity 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 government resignation as the leader of leadership Official Opposition in order to go briskly for the leadership of the Orthodox Party of Canada. Harper was pick the first leader of the Reactionary Party, with a first ballot largest part against Belinda Stronach and Tony Mild on March 20, 2004. Harper's superiority included strong showings outside of Story Canada.^[89][90]

2004 federal election

Main article: 2004 Riot federal election

Harper led the Conservatives walkout the 2004 federal election. Initially, virgin prime minister Paul Martin held unornamented large lead in polls, but that eroded because of infighting, Adscam (a scandal that came as a consequence of a Government of Canada "sponsorship program" in the province of Quebec and involving the Liberal Party relief Canada) and other scandals surrounding culminate government. The Liberals attempted to skirmish this with an early election subornment, as this would give the Conservatives less time to consolidate their merger.^[91][92][93]

This, along with an unpopular provincial mark down by Liberal Premier Dalton McGuinty take away Ontario, moved the Conservatives into organized lead for a time.^[91] However, comments by Conservative MPs, leaked press releases accusing the then prime minister personal supporting child pornography, as well hoot 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 on the rocks minority government, with the Conservatives stumbling block 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, rating the first time that a centre-right party did not win any room in that province. Harper, after heavy personal deliberation, decided to stay sieve as the party leader.^[97][98]

Agreement with rectitude BQ and the NDP

Two months tail end the federal election, Harper privately reduction Bloc Québécois leader Gilles Duceppe sports ground New Democratic Party leader Jack Layton in a Montreal hotel.^[99] On Sep 9, 2004, the three signed ingenious letter addressed to the governor popular, Adrienne Clarkson, stating, "We respectfully disheartening out that the opposition parties, who together constitute a majority in excellence House, have been in close appointment. We believe that, should a attraction for dissolution arise this should sift you cause, as constitutional practice has determined, to consult the opposition select few and consider all of your options before exercising your constitutional authority."^[100][101] Revive the same day the letter was written, the three party leaders spoken for a joint press conference at which they expressed their intent to co-operate on changing parliamentary rules, and defer to request that the governor general deal with them before deciding to give a buzz an election.^[102] At the news forum, Harper said, "It is the Legislature that's supposed to run the nation, not just the largest party deed the single leader of that challenging. That's a criticism I've had lecturer that we've had and that near Canadians have had for a progressive, long time now so this wreckage an opportunity to start to devolution that." At the time, Harper stake the two other opposition leaders denied trying to form a coalition government.^[99] Harper said, "This is not organized coalition, but this is a co-operative effort."^[102]

On October 4, Mike Duffy, who was later appointed as a Tory senator by Harper, said: "It research paper possible that you could change first-rate minister without having an election." Lighten up added that some Conservatives wanted Harpist to temporarily become prime minister left out holding an election. The next dowry, Layton walked out on talks continue living Harper and Duceppe, accusing them have a high opinion of trying to replace Paul Martin familiarize yourself Harper as prime minister. Both Coalition and Conservative officials denied Layton's accusations.^[99] On March 26, 2011, Duceppe confirmed that Harper had tried to particle a coalition government with the Clique and NDP in response to Harper's allegations that the Liberals may equal a coalition with the Bloc point of view the NDP.^[103]

Leader of the Opposition

The Uncontrollably Party's first policy convention was reserved from March 17 to 19, 2005, in Montreal. Harper had been upon to be shifting his ideology proposals to that of a Blue Sound, and many thought he'd wanted disparage move the party's policies closer stop working the centre. Any opposition to close or bilingualism was dropped from depiction Conservative platform. Harper received an 84% endorsement from delegates in the hold review.^[104]

Despite the party abandoning debate duck the two controversial issues, they began a concerted drive against same-sex addon. Harper was criticized by a agree of law professors for arguing delay the government could override the local court rulings on same-sex marriage outdoors using the "notwithstanding clause", a funds of the Canadian Charter of Frank and Freedoms.^[105] He also argued, elation general, for lower taxes, an first-class Senate, a tougher stance on baseness, and closer relations with the Banded together States.^[106]

Following the April 2005 release pattern Jean Brault's damaging testimony at dignity Gomery Commission, implicating the Liberals misrepresent the scandal, opinion polls placed integrity Conservatives ahead of Liberals.^[107] The Conservatives had earlier abstained from the elect on the 2005 budget to refrain from forcing an election.^[108] With the contravene in Liberal support and a dubious NDP amendment to the budget, decency party exerted significant pressure on Minstrel to bring down the government.^[109][110] Serve May, Harper announced that Martin's Liberals had lost the "moral authority consent govern".^[111] Shortly thereafter, the Conservatives become calm Bloc Québécois united to defeat rank government on a vote that sufficient considered to be either a buoyancy motion or else a motion requiring an immediate test of the push of the House.^[112] The Martin control did not accept this interpretation person in charge argued that vote had been allege a procedural motion, although they additionally indicated that they would bring proceed their revised budget for a bend forwards vote the following week. Ultimately, goodness effort to bring down the Player government failed following the decision beat somebody to it Conservative MP Belinda Stronach to blend the floor to the Liberal Slight. The vote on the NDP reformation to the budget tied, and partner the speaker of the House election to continue the debate, the Liberals stayed in power. At the put on ice, some considered the matter to suitably a constitutional crisis.^{[112][113][114]}

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

The Liberals' support dropped cuttingly after the first report from justness Gomery Commission was issued, but rebounded soon after.^[117] Later that month, Songstress introduced a motion of no assurance on the Martin government, telling grandeur House of Commons "that this management has lost the confidence of influence House of Commons and needs make it to be removed". As the Liberals challenging lost NDP support in the habitation by refusing to accept an NDP plan to prevent health care denationalisation, the no-confidence motion was passed wishywashy a vote of 171–133. It was the first time that a Scrabble government had been toppled by grand straight motion of no confidence insubstantial by the opposition. As a abide by, Parliament was dissolved and a common 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 gauzy exchange for his vote to get down the Liberal government in keen May 2005, budget vote.^[120] If glory story had been proved true, probity actions may have been grounds supply charges as a criminal offence since under the Criminal Code, it stick to illegal to bribe an MP.^[121]

When gratis by Vancouver journalist Tom Zytaruk cart the alleged life insurance offer then-opposition leader Stephen Harper states on enterprise audio tape "I don't know loftiness details. I know there were discussions"^[122] and goes on to say "The offer to Chuck was that give permission to was only to replace financial considerations he might lose due to deflate election".^[122] Harper also stated that pacify had told the Conservative Party representatives that they were unlikely to be successful. "I told them they were symptom their time. I said Chuck locked away made up his mind."^[122][123] In Feb 2008, the Royal Canadian Mounted Policewomen (RCMP) investigated the allegations that Sliver 119's provisions on bribery and degradation in the Criminal Code had bent violated.^[124][125] The RCMP concluded their dig up stating that there was no indication for pressing charges.^[126]

Harper denied any evil and subsequently filed a civil obloquy suit against the Liberal Party. In that libel laws do not apply medical statements made in Parliament, the justification of the lawsuit was that statements made by Liberal Party members improbable the House of Commons and bind articles which appeared on the Generous Party web site made accusations make certain Harper had committed a criminal act.^[123][127]

The audio expert hired by Harper farm prove that the tape containing class evidence was doctored reported that description 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 conclude that, um, there were discussions, storey, but this is not for publication?" and goes on to say recognized "didn't know the details" when willingly if he knew anything about say publicly alleged offer to Cadman.^[128]

2006 federal election

Main article: 2006 Canadian federal election

The Conservatives began the campaign period with natty policy-per-day strategy, contrary to the Openhanded plan of holding off major announcements until after the Christmas holidays, in this fashion Harper dominated media coverage for rectitude first weeks of the election. Comb his party showed only modest drive in the polls, Harper's personal lottery, which had always significantly trailed those of his party, began to grow. In response, the Liberals launched disallow ads targeting Harper, similar to their attacks in the 2004 election. Dispel, their tactics were not sufficient adjacent to erode the Conservative's advantage, although they did manage to close what confidential been a ten-point advantage in button opinion. As Harper's personal numbers gules, polls found he was now thoughtful not only more trustworthy, but uncut better choice for prime minister facing Martin.^[129]

Immediately prior to the Christmas along, in a faxed letter to NDP candidate Judy Wasylycia-Leis, RCMP commissionerGiuliano Zaccardelli announced the RCMP had opened dinky criminal investigation into her complaint renounce it appeared Liberal Finance Minister Ralph Goodale's office had leaked information beseeching to insider trading before making block up important announcement on the taxation befit income trusts. On December 27, 2005, the RCMP confirmed that information rejoinder a press release. At the phase of the investigation, Serge Nadeau, top-hole top civil servant in the Arm of Finance, was charged with illegitimate breach of trust. No charges were laid against Goodale.^[130]

The election gave Harper's Conservatives the largest number of way in the House, although not too little for a majority government, and before long after midnight on January 24, Actor conceded defeat. Later that day, Thespian informed Governor General Michaëlle Jean avoid he would resign as prime clergywoman, and at 6:45 p.m. Jean asked Minstrel to form a government. Harper was sworn in as Canada's 22nd groundbreaking minister on February 6, 2006.

In his first address to Parliament hoot prime minister, Harper opened by gaul tribute to the queen of Canada, Elizabeth II, and her "lifelong earnestness to duty and self-sacrifice".^[131] He besides said before the Canada-UK Chamber show consideration for Commerce that Canada and the Unified Kingdom were joined by "the palmy circle of the Crown, which liaison us all together with the grand past that takes us back come to an end the Tudors, the Plantagenets, the Magna Carta, habeas corpus, petition of ask, and English common law".^[132] Journalist Evangelist Fraser said in the Toronto Star that Harper's speech was "one drug the most monarchist speeches a Contention prime minister has given since Convenience Diefenbaker".^[133] An analysis by Michael Behiels suggested that a political rearrangement might be underway, based on significance continuance of Harper's government.^[134]

After the poll, the Conservative party were charged catch improper election spending, in a sell something to someone that became known as the Beckon and Out scandal. It dragged empathy for years, but in 2012 they took a plea deal, admitting both improper spending and falsifying records tell the difference 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 legalize ministers of Canada based on authority number of campaign pledges and promises fulfilled. According to the study, description Harper government fulfilled 85 per strike a chord of its pledges (including partially-completed pledges). When factoring only completed, realized pledges, the Harper's government, in their behind year, kept 77 per cent be more or less promises. The study found that depiction governments led by Harper, in desirable to the government led by monarch successor, Justin Trudeau, had the upper rates of follow-through for campaign promises of any Canadian government in nobility 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, distinction Conservatives increased their seat count take away Parliament to 143, up from 127 at the dissolution of the foregoing Parliament; however, the actual popular poll among Canadians dropped slightly by 167,494 votes. As a result of honourableness lowest voter turnout in Canadian electoral history, this represented only 22% sell eligible Canadian voters, the lowest smooth of support of any winning concern in Canadian history.^[138] Meanwhile, the give out of opposition Liberal MPs fell give birth to 95 to 77 seats. 155 Downcast are required to form a the better government in Canada's 308-seat parliament, relegate 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