Harper, from brawler to statesman

When Stephen Harper retired from politics, he put aside his brawler persona and took on the role of a wise elder statesman, whose portrait is now hanging in Parliament. He’s even getting positive media attention for his recent forceful comments on world affairs.

Former Conservative prime minister Stephen Harper speaks at an event held by Library and Archives Canada on Feb. 5, 2026, about the launch his archival collection at the Library and Archives Canada. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Opinion

BY GERRY NICHOLLS

February 16, 2026

OAKVILLE, ONT.—Never in a million years did I ever think former prime minister Stephen Harper—known for his earnestness and blandness, and for the iron discipline with which he ruled his party—would be linked to a trivial term like “Harperpalooza.”

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