Stephen Harper
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Who is Stephen Harper?
Stephen Harper is a Canadian politician who served as the 22nd Prime Minister of Canada, from 2006 to 2015. He was the leader of the Conservative Party of Canada and represented the Calgary Southwest constituency in the House of Commons.
When was Stephen Harper born?
Stephen Harper was born on April 30, 1959, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
What political party did Stephen Harper lead?
Stephen Harper led the Conservative Party of Canada. He became its leader following the party's creation in 2003 from a merger between the Canadian Alliance and the Progressive Conservative Party.
How long did Stephen Harper serve as Prime Minister?
Stephen Harper served as Prime Minister of Canada for nearly a decade, from February 6, 2006, to November 4, 2015.
What was Stephen Harper's role before becoming Prime Minister?
Before becoming Prime Minister, Stephen Harper was the Leader of the Official Opposition in the House of Commons and led the Conservative Party of Canada after its formation in 2003.
Where did Stephen Harper go to university?
Stephen Harper attended the University of Calgary, where he earned a bachelor's degree in economics in 1985 and a master's degree in economics in 1991.
What are Stephen Harper's notable achievements as Prime Minister?
Notable achievements of Stephen Harper include the implementation of tax cuts, the Criminal Code amendments to incorporate tougher sentencing, and the creation of the Universal Child Care Benefit. He also played a role in steering Canada through the 2008 financial crisis.
How did Stephen Harper transform Canada's tax system?
Stephen Harper implemented several tax reforms, including reducing the Goods and Services Tax (GST) from 7% to 5%, creating the Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA), and introducing various income tax cuts.
What was the response to Stephen Harper's economic policies?
Stephen Harper's economic policies received mixed reviews, with supporters praising his tax cuts and fiscal management during the 2008 financial crisis, while critics argued that his austerity measures and spending cuts negatively affected social programs.
What foreign policy was Stephen Harper known for?
Stephen Harper's foreign policy was marked by a strong support for Israel, a focus on Arctic sovereignty, a tough stance against Russia during the Ukraine crisis, and a proactive role in international military alliances like NATO.
Why was Stephen Harper criticized for environmental policies?
Stephen Harper faced criticism for withdrawing Canada from the Kyoto Protocol, promoting the oil sands, and his government's environmental policies, which were seen as favoring industry over environmental protection.
Did Stephen Harper participate in international summits?
Yes, as Prime Minister, Stephen Harper attended various international summits, including the G7, G20, and APEC, where he promoted Canadian interests and engaged with global leaders on key economic and security issues.
What was Stephen Harper's stance on healthcare?
Stephen Harper's approach to healthcare focused on increasing funding through the Canada Health Transfer, while advocating for greater efficiency and accountability, often emphasizing private sector involvement in healthcare delivery.
What impact did Stephen Harper have on Canadian politics?
Stephen Harper consolidated a conservative base, reformed federal governance with a focus on fiscal prudence, social conservatism, and national security. His tenure saw shifts in Canadian foreign policy and the approach to federalism.
What educational background does Stephen Harper have?
Stephen Harper has a strong educational background in economics, holding a bachelor's and a master's degree from the University of Calgary. His education informed his policy-making approach, particularly in economic matters.
Did Stephen Harper write any books?
Yes, Stephen Harper authored 'A Great Game: The Forgotten Leafs & the Rise of Professional Hockey', a book reflecting his interest in the history of ice hockey and Canadian culture.
What was Stephen Harper's approach to national defense?
Stephen Harper focused on rebuilding the Canadian Armed Forces through increased military spending, expanding the fleet of naval ships and fighter jets, and engaging in international military operations, like the missions in Afghanistan and Libya.
How did Stephen Harper contribute to Canada's financial system?
During his tenure, Stephen Harper reinforced Canada's banking regulations, which helped the country avoid the worst impacts of the 2008 financial crisis, earning praise for maintaining a stable and resilient financial system.
Did Stephen Harper focus on any specific social policies?
Stephen Harper implemented social policies like the Universal Child Care Benefit and measures targeting crime reduction, particularly through increased sentences for violent offenses and reforms in youth justice and drug policy.
What role did Stephen Harper play in the international economic community?
As Prime Minister, Harper was active in the international economic community, promoting free trade agreements, hosting the 2010 G20 summit in Toronto, and advocating for regulatory harmonization and banking system stability.
Was Stephen Harper involved in any trade agreements?
Yes, under Stephen Harper, Canada entered into several trade agreements, most notably the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and the Canada-South Korea Free Trade Agreement.
How did Stephen Harper's government address crime?
Harper's government introduced 'tough on crime' legislation, including mandatory minimum sentences, increased funding for law enforcement, and reforms targeting organized crime, terrorism, and youth justice, aiming to improve public safety.
What was Harper's approach to indigenous relations?
Stephen Harper's approach to indigenous relations included the historic 2008 apology for the Indian residential schools system, but was criticized for limited progress on social and economic issues affecting indigenous communities.
Did Stephen Harper support any major social programs?
Harper's government introduced the Universal Child Care Benefit and enhanced support for seniors, while focusing on tax policies intended to help families and individuals through increased exemptions and credits.
What were the key international relations during Harper's term?
Key international relations under Harper included strengthening ties with the United States, engaging with Commonwealth countries, affirming support for Israel, and taking strong positions against regimes in Iran and North Korea.
How did Stephen Harper address the 2008 financial crisis?
Stephen Harper's government responded to the 2008 financial crisis by implementing an economic stimulus package worth $40 billion, focusing on infrastructure, housing, and tax credits to revive the economy and protect jobs.
What led to Stephen Harper's electoral defeat in 2015?
Stephen Harper's 2015 electoral defeat was due to voter fatigue after nearly a decade in power, and a successful Liberal campaign promising change and appealing to middle-class Canadians under Justin Trudeau's leadership.
What impact did Harper have on Canada's energy policies?
Stephen Harper's energy policies emphasized resource development, especially the oil sands and pipeline expansion, facilitating energy exports and economic growth, while facing criticism for perceived environmental oversight.
How was Stephen Harper's leadership style often described?
Stephen Harper's leadership style was often described as pragmatic and disciplined, with a strong focus on political control and message discipline, overseeing a centralization of decision-making in the Prime Minister's Office.
What legacy did Stephen Harper leave in Canadian politics?
Stephen Harper's legacy includes solidifying the Conservative Party's place in Canadian politics, influencing tax policy, national defense, and foreign relations, though some criticize his impacts on social policy and governance transparency.
Did Stephen Harper have a background in business before politics?
Before entering politics, Stephen Harper worked as an economist and policy analyst, notably for Imperial Oil, which provided him with valuable insights into business and economic affairs relevant to his political career.
What was Harper's role in the coalition crisis of 2008?
During the 2008 coalition crisis, Stephen Harper prorogued Parliament to prevent the opposition parties, which had formed a coalition to defeat his government, from taking power, allowing him to retain his position as Prime Minister.
Who succeeded Stephen Harper as the leader of the Conservative Party?
Andrew Scheer succeeded Stephen Harper as the leader of the Conservative Party of Canada in May 2017, following Harper's resignation after the 2015 federal election defeat.
What major laws did Stephen Harper pass?
Major laws passed during Harper's tenure include the Federal Accountability Act, the Tackling Violent Crime Act, and amendments to Canada's tax and justice systems, focusing on government transparency, crime reduction, and tax relief.
What is Stephen Harper's stance on climate change?
Stephen Harper acknowledged climate change but was often criticized for policies perceived as insufficiently addressing environmental concerns, favoring economic growth and resource development, particularly in Canada's oil and gas sectors.
What was Stephen Harper's position after leaving politics?
After leaving politics, Stephen Harper became involved in global business consulting through his firm, Harper & Associates, and engaged in public speaking, sharing insights on global economics and governance.
What awards and honors has Stephen Harper received?
Stephen Harper has received several honors, including the Woodrow Wilson Award for Public Service and honorary doctorates from institutions like Tel Aviv University, recognizing his contributions to public life and education.
How did Stephen Harper influence Canadian cultural policies?
Stephen Harper influenced Canadian cultural policies by promoting Canadian heritage and identity, increasing funding for museums, and expanding military commemorations, while some criticized reductions in arts funding.
What were Stephen Harper's views on immigration?
Stephen Harper's views on immigration emphasized skilled immigration, economic benefits, and security, with reforms focusing on faster processing and integrating immigrants into the Canadian labor market and society.
Did Stephen Harper make changes to the Canadian electoral system?
Under Harper, changes to the electoral system included the Fair Elections Act, designed to improve the integrity of elections, though it faced criticism for potentially limiting voter participation by altering identification requirements.
What global organizations did Stephen Harper engage with?
Stephen Harper engaged with global organizations such as the United Nations, NATO, and the G7, actively participating in international diplomacy and advancing Canada's interests on issues like trade, security, and development.
What was the prorogation issue during Harper's government?
Stephen Harper's government prorogued Parliament in 2008 and 2009, sparking controversy and criticism over its use as a political tool to avoid non-confidence votes and delay parliamentary proceedings, which critics viewed as undermining democracy.
What initiatives did Harper implement for youth and education?
Stephen Harper's initiatives for youth and education included funding for apprenticeship programs, tax credits for textbooks, and supporting educational research, aiming to improve skills training and educational opportunities for young Canadians.
How did Stephen Harper handle relations with indigenous communities?
Stephen Harper's tenure involved efforts like the residential school apology but faced criticism for inadequate progress on reconciliation and resolving socio-economic issues, with significant debate on resource sharing and treaty rights.
What was the Truth and Reconciliation Commission?
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission, established under Stephen Harper's government, aimed to address the legacy of residential schools, providing a forum for survivors to share experiences and making recommendations for healing and reconciliation.
Did Stephen Harper have any famous quotes?
Stephen Harper is known for quotes reflecting his conservative values and economic priorities, such as advocating for low taxes, national security, and support of Canada's oil and natural resource sectors.
What were Stephen Harper's views on national unity?
Stephen Harper supported national unity through policies promoting economic growth and stability, but faced challenges like Quebec sovereignty debates, advocating for federalism that respects provincial jurisdiction and cultural diversity.
What role did Stephen Harper play in NAFTA negotiations?
Although not directly involved in negotiations, Stephen Harper supported NAFTA and advocated for Canada's trade interests, emphasizing the importance of strong relations with the United States and Mexico for economic growth.