Harper urges Tories to back new leader

VANCOUVER • Former prime minister Stephen Harper broke months of silence late Thursday in a speech to thousands of Conservatives gathered for their national convention, trumpeting how the party has remained “strong and united” in defeat and that “now is the time to look forward.”

Harper used the speech to reflect on the Conservative Party of Canada’s rise to power and achievements of nearly a decade ruling the country, but also stressed the need to move on and unite behind a new leader that will be selected in a year.

“The party you have built over the last 13 years is strong today, and it will be even stronger in the future. In a year you will select, from many outstanding candidates, a new leader and you will unite behind that person,” Harper said in his prepared speaking notes.

“Because in 2019, perhaps more than we understand even now, our country will need a strong, united Conservative party ready to govern.”

Harper highlighted that for the first time in more than a century, a long-serving Conservative government, “even in defeat, has emerged strong and united as the one and only opposition party positioned to take government the next time round.”

The former prime minister noted his government’s record of tax cuts, balancing the books, cracking down on crime, launching an ambitious free-trade agenda, and what he said was the decline of Quebec separatism and western alienation. He also noted the Conservatives were the strongest financially of the major federal parties.

But Harper also stressed it’s time for the Conservative party to move on and focus on the future.

He thanked interim Conservative Leader Rona Ambrose, saying she has quickly become “one of the most effective opposition leaders this country has ever seen,” and urged party faithful to come together to defeat the Liberals in the next election.

“We have a proud record, but the past is no place to linger. Now is the time to look forward. Our party’s journey is only beginning,” Harper said.

“Millions of Canadians entrusted us with their votes, and I know in the months and years ahead, you will work hard to secure the votes of millions more. I know you will continue to build our organization from coast to coast to coast.”

Harper also took a few moments to thank his wife Laureen — his “best friend, my closest counsellor and the love of my life” — and children Ben and Rachel for their support, as well as voters in his Calgary Heritage constituency.

He also joked that he’s enjoying life outside the spotlight, quipping that he has “come to quite enjoy being off centre stage.”

Harper has kept a low profile following his party’s Oct. 19 election defeat and has not spoken with the media since.

Many Conservatives have publicly and pri- vately blamed Harper and his campaign team for the party’s relegation to official Opposition status, saying they didn’t get the “tone” correct during the election campaign.

Nevertheless, Conservatives on the convention floor still provide glowing reviews of Harper’s nearly 10 years in power and believe he left a strong record of achievements.

Indeed, federal Conservatives said their own official thank you to the only permanent leader their party has ever known, with a video tribute to Harper at a convention where he’s still very much omnipresent.

The Conservative party prepared a video tribute to him that recognized what the party called “a decade of strong leadership and good government” and his “commitment to protecting the most vulnerable in society” through measures such as strengthening child protection laws.

It also highlighted Harper’s free-trade agenda, balanced budgets and helping “make life more affordable for Canadians.”

The former prime minister is expected to resign his Calgary Heritage seat before the fall sitting of Parliament.