Stephen Harper
Full Name and Common Aliases
Stephen Joseph Harper, commonly known as Stephen Harper, is a prominent figure in Canadian politics. Throughout his career, he has been referred to simply as "Harper" by both supporters and critics alike.
Birth and Death Dates
Stephen Harper was born on April 30, 1959. As of the latest available information, he is alive and continues to be active in various professional capacities.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Stephen Harper is Canadian by nationality. He is best known as a politician, having served as the 22nd Prime Minister of Canada. Beyond politics, Harper is also recognized as an economist and an author.
Early Life and Background
Stephen Harper was born in Toronto, Ontario, and raised in the suburb of Leaside. He was the eldest of three sons in a middle-class family. His father, Joseph Harris Harper, worked as an accountant, which influenced Stephen's early interest in economics. Harper attended Richview Collegiate Institute, where he excelled academically. After high school, he moved to Alberta to attend the University of Calgary, earning both a bachelor's and a master's degree in economics. This academic background laid the foundation for his pragmatic approach to politics and governance.
Major Accomplishments
Stephen Harper's most significant accomplishment was his tenure as the Prime Minister of Canada from 2006 to 2015. He led the Conservative Party of Canada to three consecutive election victories, including a majority government in 2011. Under his leadership, Canada navigated the global financial crisis of 2008 with relative stability, a feat often attributed to his economic policies and fiscal management. Harper's government also implemented significant tax reforms, including the reduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) from 7% to 5%.
Notable Works or Actions
During his time in office, Harper was known for his strong stance on national security and foreign policy. He was a vocal supporter of Canada's military involvement in Afghanistan and took a firm position on issues such as the Arctic sovereignty and relations with Israel. Domestically, Harper's government introduced the Federal Accountability Act, aimed at increasing transparency and accountability in government operations. He also played a pivotal role in the negotiation of several free trade agreements, including the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).
Impact and Legacy
Stephen Harper's impact on Canadian politics is profound and multifaceted. His leadership style, characterized by discipline and strategic planning, reshaped the Conservative Party and solidified its position as a dominant force in Canadian politics. Harper's economic policies, particularly his focus on tax cuts and fiscal conservatism, have left a lasting imprint on Canada's economic landscape. His tenure also marked a shift towards a more assertive foreign policy, which continues to influence Canada's international relations.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Stephen Harper is widely quoted and remembered for his articulate and often candid remarks on a range of issues. His speeches and public statements reflect his deep understanding of economics and governance, making them a source of insight for political analysts and historians. Harper's ability to communicate complex ideas in a straightforward manner has made his quotes resonate with both supporters and critics. Additionally, his leadership during a pivotal period in Canadian history ensures that his words and actions remain a point of reference in discussions about Canada's political and economic trajectory.
In summary, Stephen Harper's contributions to Canadian politics and his distinctive approach to leadership have cemented his place as a significant figure in the country's history. His legacy continues to be a subject of study and debate, ensuring that his words and actions remain relevant in the discourse surrounding Canada's past and future.
Quotes by Stephen Harper
Stephen Harper's insights on:
I just think it would be unrealistic to suggest we’re going to eliminate every last domestic insurgent in Afghanistan. Certainly, the history of the country would indicate that’s not a very realistic objective, and I think we have to have realistic objectives.
Everybody makes money when times are good. It’s when times are not so good that the groundwork is laid for the next generation.
In terms of the unemployed, of which we have over a million-and-a-half, don’t feel particularly bad for many of these people. They don’t feel bad about it themselves, as long as they’re receiving generous social assistance and unemployment insurance.
Now ‘pay equity’ has everything to do with pay and nothing to do with equity. It’s based on the vague notion of ‘equal pay for work of equal value,’ which is not the same as equal pay for the same job.
I was asked to speak about Canadian politics. It may not be true, but it’s legendary that if you’re like all Americans, you know almost nothing except for your own country. Which makes you probably knowledgeable about one more country than most Canadians.
It’s all part of the pattern. This is a story of scandal and corruption, investigations, refusals to take responsibility. If this government continues in office, this will continue.
On the justification for the war, it wasn’t related to finding any particular weapon of mass destruction.
I don’t know all the facts on Iraq, but I think we should work closely with the Americans.
Buying pollution credits is folly; it doesn’t help the environment. Instead of using tax dollars to buy credits overseas, we’ll use them at home.
We’re not going to scrap the budget and make up some totally new platform the day after the election. So it’s certainly willingness to compromise but we’re not going back on the fundamental things we’re running on in this campaign.