Stephen Harper

I’m delighted to share that “Here For Canada: Memoirs of the 22nd Prime Minister” is now officially released. It was an honour to serve our country, the best country in the world, with an incredible team of colleagues and I am pleased to share my account of those years. Purchase your copy here: indigo.ca/products/untitled-…

Today I join with Canadians around the world offering condolences, comfort and prayer to the families of those who lost their lives or were injured at CFB Wainwright. In times of loss such as this, we are reminded not only of the strength, courage and commitment necessary to wear the uniform in defence of our country and its values, but also of the tremendous sacrifice military families make for Canada.

On the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, my thoughts remain with all those who lost loved ones on that terrible day. We honour the victims, the courage of the first responders, and all who have sacrificed in the defence of our freedom and security.

I was honoured to join @PremierScottMoe, Ministers Harrison and Rowden, former Premier Brad Wall, Secretary of State Belanger, NexGen CEO Leigh Curyer and local First Nations leaders for the official groundbreaking of the Rook 1 uranium mine in northern Saskatchewan. This is an exciting, globally significant project for Saskatchewan and for Canada. When completed, Rook 1 will deliver 20% of the world’s uranium supply with lasting economic benefit for the community and beyond.  My congratulations to the entire team at @NexGenEnergy_ for reaching this exciting milestone.

Laureen and I were saddened to learn of the passing of Lloyd Robertson. His steady presence and commitment to excellence made him one of the defining journalists of his generation. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Lloyd’s loved ones.

On  June 15, 2012 I stood with Michigan Governor Rick Snyder to announce our agreement to build a new international crossing between Windsor and Detroit. In May 2015, the Governor and I together announced the bridge would be named in honour of Gordie Howe, a great Canadian hockey hero who led the Detroit Red Wings to four Stanley Cups and inspired a generation of young Canadians and Americans.  Today, despite challenges and delays, I am proud to see the Gordie Howe International Bridge officially opened. May it long continue Gordie Howe’s legacy of connecting our two great countries, fuelling growth and opportunity for decades to come.

En cette fête du Canada, nous exprimons notre gratitude pour l’héritage que nous ont légué nos bâtisseurs: un pays enraciné dans la liberté, le sens des responsabilités et un engagement commun les uns envers les autres, renforcé par des générations de Canadiennes et de Canadiens qui ont bâti ce pays, l’ont servi et se sont sacrifiés pour lui. Laureen et moi souhaitons à toutes et à tous une très heureuse fête du Canada ! 🇨🇦

On Canada Day, we give thanks for the inheritance entrusted to us by our founders: a country rooted in freedom, responsibility, and a shared commitment to one another strengthened by generations of Canadians who built, served, and sacrificed. Laureen and I wish everyone a Happy Canada Day! 🇨🇦

Congratulations to my friend Prime Minister @NarendraModi on becoming the longest-serving elected Prime Minister in India’s history. First elected as Prime Minister in 2014, re-elected in 2019 and 2024, PM Modi continues to deliver strong leadership that has secured India’s place in the world. Laureen and I wish PM Modi continued health and success in the months and years ahead.

Congratulations to my former colleague @KerryLynneFindl on being elected Leader of the Conservative Party of BC, and to all candidates who put themselves forward in this hard fought campaign.

I’m pleased to be visiting India this week to participate in the Raisina Dialogue Conference. It's always a pleasure to see India's Foreign Minister @DrSJaishankar and great to be joined by fellow Canadians @PremierScottMoe, @CanadaIndiaBiz President Victor Thomas, and Lieutenant-General Derek Macaulay.

Ending the repressive dictatorship in Tehran and halting its nuclear ambitions once and for all would be a monumental step towards regional stability. It also offers hope of a better life for the long-suffering people of Iran who have waited two generations for this moment. Let us hope they may soon embark upon a new chapter in the history of their country, one defined by freedom, justice and peace. The world owes a great debt to all those who put themselves into harm’s way for global peace and security.

Laureen and I always joke that our team was so young in Ottawa that we must’ve begun recruitment early! We were delighted to reconnect with former staff this week and see how their families have grown over the last decade. Thank you to everyone who travelled from far and wide to spend an unforgettable few days together.

I am pleased to announce the launch of the Stephen J. Harper Archive and Oral History Project. This first-of-its-kind prime ministerial record of the 2006–2015 Harper government is now open to the public. My sincerest gratitude to the team at Library and Archives Canada for their professionalism and dedicated work over the past several years topreserve this chapter of our history.

We had a great time recounting stories, laughing and reminiscing over the many years we spent together in Ottawa. Thank you to @PierrePoilievre and the Conservative Party of Canada Caucus alumni and current members for an unforgettable reunion!

Proud to celebrate the 20th anniversary of our election, our team and our legacy! Last night was about the cabinet, the caucus, political staff across the country and thousands of party volunteers who made it possible for a Prime Minister and a government to serve for nearly a decade. Thank you to all who joined us and made this special evening possible.

Always a pleasure to spend time with the great Premier Moe of Saskatchewan. His leadership throughout these tumultuous times has strengthened Saskatchewan’s economy, diversified its trade with global markets, and is building an even brighter future for the province. Keep up the great work, Premier!

I am grateful to Phil Richards for his incredible work on my official portrait. Background information on the portrait’s finer details is available here: stephenharper.com/portrait/

I sincerely hope that mine is just one of many portraits of Prime Ministers from both parties that will continue to be hung in the Parliament of Canada for decades and centuries to come […] but that will require that in these perilous times both parties whatever their differences, come together to preserve the independence and unity of this blessed land.

Thank you, Speaker Scarpaleggia and Members of Parliament for the warm welcome back to the House of Commons this afternoon. It is always a privilege to witness Canada’s parliamentary tradition in action and even more special to witness Question Period with some of my former seat mates!