Harper urges national unity at portrait unveiling

Former prime minister Stephen Harper urged political parties to work together to preserve Canada’s independence during the unveiling of his official prime ministerial portrait, an event attended by Prime Minister Mark Carney and former leaders and officials.

Former prime minister Stephen Harper used the ceremony to unveil his official prime ministerial portrait and to reiterate calls for political unity. The portrait, painted by Phil Richards beginning in 2023, depicts Mr. Harper seated in an office styled after 1920 and includes personal and political items. Prime Minister Mark Carney attended and paid tribute to Mr. Harper’s decade in office. The unveiling is one of several events in Ottawa this week marking 20 years since the Harper-led Conservatives formed government. Event details: - Mr. Harper urged political parties to work together against external forces and domestic policies he said threaten Canada’s independence and unity. - The portrait was painted by Phil Richards and includes items representing Mr. Harper’s life and his cat Stanley; the artist said the setting reflects the Prime Minister’s office as it was in 1920. - Prime Minister Mark Carney attended and praised Mr. Harper’s composure, intellect and decisiveness in public life. - Attendees included former governor-general David Johnston, former prime minister Jean Chrétien, Ontario Premier Doug Ford, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, and many former Conservative cabinet ministers, senators and staffers. - Some guests had come from the Conservative Party convention in Calgary, where Pierre Poilievre was backed by 87.4 per cent of delegates; Mr. Poilievre also attended Tuesday’s event. - Mr. Harper recounted forwarding a résumé in 2007 to what he called a “nearby bank,” noting that the applicant went on to become Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney; both men avoided mentioning past tensions in their remarks. Summary: Harper’s remarks emphasized a theme of national unity and the need to protect Canada’s independence, delivered in a formal portrait unveiling attended by current and former officials. Events marking the 20th anniversary of his government are continuing in Ottawa this week, and immediate next steps beyond those commemorations are undetermined at this time.