Stephen Harper calls for unity and backs Prime Minister Mark Carney's Liberals

At events marking 20 years since he first became prime minister, Stephen Harper urged national unity, voiced agreement with Prime Minister Mark Carney's assessment of U.S. relations, and suggested approving another pipeline to British Columbia's coast.

Stephen Harper took a prominent public role this week at events marking 20 years since he first became prime minister and used the platform to call for national unity. He voiced agreement with Prime Minister Mark Carney's view of a changed relationship with the United States and urged cooperation across party lines. He also addressed separatism and spoke about the need to keep the country together. His remarks came as Conservative convention activity and a pro‑separation petition in Alberta continued to draw attention. Notable points: - Harper delivered a keynote at a gala and received a gold medal from the Royal Canadian Geographical Society during the week of events marking 20 years since his premiership. - He said he agreed with Prime Minister Mark Carney's assessment of the U.S. relationship, as outlined in a Davos speech, and urged business leaders to support the Liberal government. - Harper spoke about separatism, sharing a story of a conversation with a longtime separatist in which the person conceded the need for national unity. - He suggested that approving another pipeline to British Columbia's coast could be part of addressing unity concerns. - The article notes a pro‑separation petition in Alberta that organizers say aims for one million signatures, while Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre has not publicly signed the petition. Summary: Harper used commemorative events to press for cross‑party cooperation and to warn against divisions over separatism, framing unity as a priority. The remarks intersect with ongoing political debate in Alberta and calls for a pipeline decision, and next formal steps regarding those debates are undetermined at this time.