Stephen Harper calls for unity as his official portrait is unveiled

At a parliamentary ceremony in Ottawa, former prime minister Stephen Harper urged Prime Minister Mark Carney and Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre to work together to protect Canada's independence and unity; Prime Minister Carney also praised Harper's leadership during the 2008 financial crisis.

Stephen Harper used the unveiling of his official parliamentary portrait in Ottawa to urge cooperation among current leaders. He appealed directly to Prime Minister Mark Carney and Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre to work together against external threats to independence and domestic policies that could affect unity. Harper emphasized the need to preserve Canada and spoke in both English and French. The event drew a large gathering of past and present political figures in the Sir John A. Macdonald building. Key details: - Harper called on Carney and Poilievre to cooperate on matters affecting Canadian independence and national unity. - He was reported as saying "We must preserve Canada" and addressed the remarks in both English and French. - Mark Carney praised Harper's composure during the 2008 global financial crisis and noted he had been appointed Bank of Canada governor by Harper; Carney described their meetings as frank and results‑focused. - The portrait, painted by Phil Richards, shows a younger Harper in the prime minister's Centre Block office and includes 25 portraits and 25 flags, the artist said. - The ceremony was attended by a range of political figures and took place during a week marking the Conservatives' 20-year anniversary under Harper's leadership. Summary: Harper framed the portrait unveiling as a moment to urge political leaders to set aside partisanship on issues of sovereignty and unity. Carney and Poilievre applauded his remarks but did not appear to mingle afterward. The two leaders were scheduled to meet the following day.