Former Conservative MPs reunite in Ottawa for Harper portrait unveiling

Former Conservative ministers and staff gathered in Ottawa for the unveiling of Stephen Harper's official portrait, and many attended question period beforehand where they received a standing ovation and a chant of "Har-per" from Conservative benches.

Stephen Harper's official portrait was unveiled in Ottawa, bringing together a number of former Conservative ministers and staff who served between 2006 and 2015. Many attended question period before the ceremony and received a standing ovation and a chant of "Har-per" from Conservative benches. The portrait unveiling took place in the Sir John A. MacDonald Building across from Parliament Hill. The gathering prompted reflection on Harper's nine-year government and its record. Event details: - Former ministers and staff in the public gallery included Peter MacKay, John Baird, Lisa Raitt, Lawrence Cannon, James Moore and former chief of staff Ian Brodie. - Other attendees named in reports included Tony Clement, Peter van Loan, Christian Paradis and Denis Lebel, alongside former prime minister Jean Chrétien, former governor general David Johnston, Ontario Premier Doug Ford, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe and NHL commissioner Gary Bettman. - The portrait features 25 flags of varying sizes, family photos in the background, an image of the 2015 balanced budget, and the Harpers' cat Stanley, according to coverage. - Several former MPs and ministers commented on both Harper's personality and aspects of the government's record, including references to economic stewardship and the balanced budget. Summary: The event provided an opportunity for former Conservatives to commemorate the portrait and to reflect on the legacy of Harper's time in office. The portrait was described as combining policy references and personal touches. Undetermined at this time.