Stephen Harper

Stephen Harper is a Canadian politician who served as prime minister from 2006 to 2015 and led the Conservative Party from 2004 to 2015.

Economic Action Plan: A Canadian federal stimulus program introduced in 2009 in response to the global financial crisis. Harper’s government used it to justify deficit-financed stimulus during the recession.
Prime Minister's Office: The central political staff organization that supports Canada’s prime minister and coordinates government priorities. Harper’s government was associated with tight control of communications and decision-making through the PMO.
Canadian Alliance: A Canadian federal conservative party that existed from 2000 until its 2003 merger with the Progressive Conservatives. Harper led the Alliance before becoming leader of the merged Conservative Party.
Paul Martin: A Canadian politician who served as prime minister from 2003 to 2006 and led the Liberal Party. Martin’s minority government preceded Harper’s first election victory.
Canadian federal election, 2011: The election that gave the Conservative Party its first federal majority under Stephen Harper. Its result enabled Harper’s government to legislate with a majority.
Canadian Cabinet: The group of ministers appointed to advise Canada’s monarch and direct the federal government. Harper’s approach to cabinet discipline shaped how ministers participated in public debate and policy.
Progressive Conservative Party of Canada: A former Canadian federal political party that merged with the Canadian Alliance in 2003. Its merger with the Alliance created the party Harper later led as prime minister.
Justin Trudeau: A Canadian politician who served as prime minister from 2015 to 2025 and led the Liberal Party. Trudeau defeated Harper in 2015 and reversed several policies of Harper’s government.
Canadian Senate expenses scandal: A Canadian political scandal involving senators’ expense claims and questions about accountability in the Senate. The scandal tested the government’s commitment to Senate reform and political accountability.
Canadian parliamentary system: A system of government in which the executive is drawn from and remains accountable to the elected legislature. Harper governed as prime minister within this Westminster-derived system.

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Jean ChrétienRelated: Harper led the opposition that challenged Chrétien’s Liberals during his final years in office.