He defied the odds and “experts”: Stephen Harper officially retires

OTTAWA-Former prime minister Stephen Harper will resign today as a member of parliament.

In her own statement, interim Conservative leader Rona Ambrose also paid tribute to Harper’s achievements, noting his record on the Canadian economy, the criminal justice system and worldwide affairs.

First elected as a Reform MP from 1993-97 and returning as leader of the opposition in 2002, Harper has avoided the spotlight in Parliament since the October 19 election – appearing for key votes, but saying nothing in the House of Commons.

Harper was originally from Toronto but came to Calgary in his 20s.

Bratt says Harper’s ability to unite Conservatives will have a lasting impression.

So far, a handful of contenders have launched bids to succeed Harper as leader, including former foreign affairs minister and libertarian Maxime Bernier; physician Kellie Leitch, who was close to the late finance minister Jim Flaherty; former Treasury Board president Tony Clement and backbench MP Michael Chong.

“He had listened to western Canadians, to Albertans, to Calgarians”.

The last time he spoke to supporters was in May at the party’s convention.

Harper leaves behind a party in need of a fresh face and bold new ideas if it hopes to defeat Prime Minister Trudeau and his Liberals at the next ballot in 2019.

“Alberta was never forgotten under Stephen Harper”, she said. – Former cabinet minister Jason Kenney.

Conservatives retort that infrastructure spending tripled under their government and point to commitments made to the Green Line LRT and ring road projects previous year. The company will be based in Calgary. In 2003, he oversaw the merger of the party with the Progressive Conservatives and in 2004, became leader of the newly formed Conservative Party.

After giving up his seat in Calgary, Mr Harper will work on his consulting, with the intention of launching a firm in Calgary which will focus on global issues, according to Bloomberg. “That’s his personality and believe it or not, people like me, who worked with him, were absolutely happy with that”.

“On behalf of Canadians, I thank Stephen Harper for his long & dedicated service to our country”.