: THE PATH TO POWER Introduction Canada’s new Prime Minister is a study politics. For example, while he is Focus in contrasts. He is a private man, but willing to admit his personal opposition Stephen Harper, one with a lengthy public record. He to same-sex marriage (while endorsing Canada’s 22nd clearly dislikes the media (columnist same-sex civil unions), he has resisted Prime Minister, is a man of mystery to wrote in The Globe and pressure to make this opposition Con- many . Mail January 16, 2006: “It has been servative Party policy. He has also said This News in Re- said that one of the great transforma- that his government will not introduce view module looks tions of this election campaign is that legislation dealing with abortion. at the “non-politi- Mr. Harper no longer displays open Throughout his career, in politics and cian” who now holds the highest contempt for the press gallery. Now he the private sector, he has focused on political office in hides his contempt.”); but he has never decentralizing both power and taxing Canada. We focus hesitated to use them to get his ideas authority. His aim is a severely re- on Harper’s rise to across. He made his political reputation stricted role for the federal government power and how he as an advocate of Western , in social areas (such as health), which got to where he is. but became one of the founders and the he feels should be almost exclusively We also suggest some of the places leader of Canada’s newest national provincial responsibilities. On the other where he may be party. hand, he would have the federal govern- taking us. Harper was probably happiest as the ment act more effectively in interna- leader of a lobby group, the National tional areas such as defence. Citizens Coalition. Here he had the Ultimately, Harper’s aim is a majority YV Sections freedom to speak out on a number of Conservative government. To do this he marked with this issues without concern for how they hopes to form what Sean Gordon symbol indicate would play out for the fortunes of any ( Star, February 18, 2006) content suitable for one political party. Nevertheless, when quotes a Conservative party official younger viewers. the began to disinte- calling “a permanent, national, centre- grate under the leadership of Stockwell right coalition in this country.” Harper Day, Harper returned to politics, and he himself has indicated this. During the handily defeated Day for the leader’s election he spoke of his dream that the position. He then merged the Alliance Conservatives would replace the Liber- with the Progressive Conservatives als as the natural governing party. (something many observers felt would Meanwhile, only a few weeks old, his never happen) and fulfilled the conser- new government already faces a num- vative dream of uniting the right. When ber of challenges. Some of these are a he won the leadership of the united result of Harper’s own actions. The party, he committed himself to an appointment of former Liberal cabinet attempt for the ultimate political minister as the new prize—prime minister. Minister of International Trade is one An evangelical Christian, Harper has example. Emerson outraged the electors resisted the pressure from elements of in his riding by switching parties to the political parties he has belonged to accept the position. At the request of or has led—Reform, Canadian Alliance, members of the NDP and Liberal and Conservative—to make socially parties, Canada’s chief ethics officer is conservative positions central to his undertaking an investigation to deter-

CBC News in Review • March 2006 • Page 31 mine if Harper or Emerson violated the ised to do this together with the prov- Did you know . . . parliamentary code of behaviour. This inces within the requirements of the act. At 46 years of age, is a stunning setback for a government Meanwhile, has announced Stephen Harper is Canada’s fifth elected as the champion of ethical what it calls a “Third Way” in health youngest prime behaviour. care, one that would allow physicians to minister. Interest- Some challenges will come as a result practise in both the public and private ingly, the other of his legislative agenda. Harper has systems. Almost all commentators have younger four, Brian announced a series of priorities that he described this as a clear violation of the Mulroney, Joe hopes to accomplish during his first Canada Health Act—and one that the Clark, , and term (see “The PM” on page 36). Some Prime Minister will have to address. , of these—such as the reduction of the The Conservative government has set were all leaders of GST—may prove extremely difficult clear goals and is determined to govern Conservative for a to accom- with those goals always in mind. The parties. plish, should the loss of revenue result Liberal leadership contest that will take in the curtailment of programs popular place over the next year or so should with other parties. give the government an opportunity to Finally, some challenges will come focus on its program. When the minor- from other governments. For example, ity government falls, as it inevitably Harper has confirmed his party’s sup- will, Canadians will definitely know port for the Canada Health Act. While Stephen Harper far better than they now he has promised to find ways of reduc- do. How his minority government ing treatment wait times, he has prom- performs will determine his future.

For Discussion Stephen Harper is often described as a “policy wonk”; that is, a person who takes a detailed interest in all aspects of political policy. He is also seen as deeply committed to any policy he espouses—to the point where he finds compromise difficult. How do you think this will affect the way he governs— especially given that his government is a minority one? In your view, what strategy should Harper follow in order to win acceptance of his policies while not having a parliamentary majority?

CBC News in Review • March 2006 • Page 32 STEPHEN HARPER: THE PATH TO POWER YV Video Review

1. What aspect of politics has always driven Stephen Harper? Please answer the questions in the spaces provided. 2. How did Albertans view ’s National Energy Policy?

Quote “The immediate priority is to stay 3. Why was Harper keen to become ’s assistant? out of trouble and show we can govern.” — Con- servative insider (, 4. What part of the political process in bothered Harper? February 18, 2006)

5. At the University of , what was the expectation Harper’s future career would be?

6. How does Andy Crooks describe Harper’s role with ?

7. In what year was Harper first elected to Parliament? ______

8. What was Harper’s attitude toward the “grass roots” of the Reform Party?

9. Why did Harper leave politics three years after his election as an MP?

10. When he was leader of the National Citizens Coalition, what did Harper urge Albertans to do?

11. In 2001, whom did Harper defeat for the leadership of the Alliance Party?

12. How long do you think Harper’s minority government will survive? Explain

CBC News in Review • March 2006 • Page 33 STEPHEN HARPER: THE PATH TO POWER YV The Man

The path to power for Canada’s newest also in 1987 that Manning named Further Research Prime Minister was far from a tradi- Harper the party’s chief policy officer. Good brief bio- tional one. Born in Toronto in 1959, Ever since, Harper has had a great graphical informa- tion on Stephen Harper attended public schools in reputation as a policy specialist. His Harper is available and . Following his positions are clear and articulate, based on the CBC Web high school graduation in 1978, he on long-held beliefs and consistent from site at www.cbc.ca/ moved to Alberta to work in the oil and year-to-year. During the 2006 election news/background/ gas industry. Harper returned to school campaign Harper himself said: “I don’t harper_stephen/ at the , where he think my fundamental beliefs have and at www.cbc.ca/ news/background/ received a BA in economics. He later changed in a decade. But certainly my conservativeparty/ completed a Master’s degree in the views on individual issues have leadership.html. same subject. At the time, he seemed evolved, and I deal with the situation as For a provocative destined for a career as a university I find it” (www.cbc.ca/news/back- analysis of Stephen professor. ground/harper_stephen/). Harper the politi- cian, see John It was at this time that Harper became Harper first ran for Parliament in the Geddes’ article for associated with what became known as 1988 federal election; like all other Maclean’s at the , a group of largely Reform candidates, he was defeated www.macleans.ca/ U.S.-born or U.S.-educated political (something he had indicated to his main topstories/politics/ theorists. One of their major themes opponent—none other than Jim article.jsp?content= 20050509_105134_105134. was that a central Canadian elite was in Hawkes—he hoped would happen). charge in Ottawa and that it ignored or Harper’s main contribution in this actively opposed Western Canadian election was his authorship of the interests. Reform Party platform. Harper first became involved in The 1993 election saw the devasta- politics as an opponent to the federal tion of the Progressive Conservative Liberals’ National Energy Policy be- Party and the rise of Reform. Harper cause of the harm he perceived it was was one of 52 party members elected doing to his adopted province. In 1985 and quickly established a reputation as he became an aide to Progressive one of the most capable of the new Conservative MP Jim Hawkes. How- members. However, differences of ever, his dislike of the PC’s fiscal opinion (over the question of national policies resulted in his leaving the unity) with Preston Manning, the position and the party in 1986. party’s leader, resulted in Harper’s One of Harper’s university professors quitting before the next election (1998). introduced him to Preston Manning, the Harper gave as his reason that he had leader of a movement aiming to found a no desire to be a career politician, and new party to respond to the needs and that he wished to spend more time with desires of Western Canadians. Manning his wife, Laureen Teskey, and his new invited Harper to participate in the son, Ben. Reform Party’s founding convention in It is also true that acquiring power 1987. Almost from the beginning, has never been the most important goal social and fiscal were key for him. As wrote in elements in Reform philosophy. It was 2001 (, August 16,

CBC News in Review • March 2006 • Page 34 2001): “It is not that he’s opposed to the time Harper was quoted as saying Quote power; its just that power without (The Globe and Mail, October 16, “Stephen [Harper] principle is not nearly as meaningful to 2003): “I do think we’re approaching had difficulty accepting that him as principle without power. He something that is very historic in terms there might be a would rather stick to his guns and hope of not just this country, but in terms of few other people the public moves his way. In the mean- practices around the world. It’s not (not many, per- time, if he can’t have power, he can at often that the political landscape is haps, but a few) least satisfy himself with influencing altered in a big way so quickly, but I who were as smart governments through the quality of his think we’re very close to doing that.” as he was with respect to policy ideas.” The new entity, known as the Conser- and strategy.” Harper now took up a position as vative Party of Canada, came into — Preston Man- vice-president (and later president) of existence in October 2003. Harper was ning in his memoirs the National Citizens Coalition (http:// the easy winner in a three-way battle for (Thinking Big: My morefreedom.org/), a conservative leadership of the new party. Life in Politics) lobby group. During his leadership he The new party emerged at a time was a champion of taxpayers’ rights, when political scandal was beginning to wrote articles against official bilingual- rock Ottawa. The government of outgo- Quote ism, and criticized the federal govern- ing prime minister Jean Chrétien left “Mr. Harper not ment for what he perceived as its pro- behind a nightmare for his successor, only absconded with the Progres- policies. . The 2004 election resulted sive Conservative The collapse of the Canadian Alli- in the end of successive Liberal major- Party, he made ance Party (the new incarnation of ity governments, leaving Martin with a them like it.” — Reform) in the 2000 election under fragile minority that lasted only until John Ibbitson (The brought Harper back November 2005. The resulting election Globe and Mail, March 22, 2004) into politics. In a hard-fought campaign gave Canada its 22nd prime minister. against Day that at times pitted social Harper the politician and theorist may conservatives against economic conser- be a matter of public record, but there is vatives, Harper emerged the winner. He also a very private Harper who dislikes assumed the leadership of the Alliance sharing his personal life with the public. in 2002. He distrusts the media and tries to keep In 2003 Harper achieved an even his family out of the limelight. We do greater success. With Peter MacKay, know, however, that one of his biggest the newly elected leader of the Progres- interests is hockey, and he has been sive Conservative Party, he made a deal writing a book on its history. to “” under one party. At To Consider Politics is often described as the art of compromise—especially when it is prac- tised by a minority government. How successful do you think a leader like Stephen Harper will be in negotiating the perils of minority government? What examples can you offer from his career to support your position?

CBC News in Review • March 2006 • Page 35 STEPHEN HARPER: THE PATH TO POWER The PM

In March 2002, the day after Stephen starting by reducing the GST; Harper defeated Stockwell Day and • protecting Canadian families and won the leadership of the Canadian communities by strengthening the Alliance, an article appeared in The justice system; Globe and Mail (March 21, 2002) titled • supporting parents’ child-care choices “Libertarian Harper will strike new through direct assistance and by tone.” In it, writer Shawn McCarthy creating more daycare spaces; and identified what he said were Harper’s “bedrock principles”: “small govern- • delivering the health care Canadians ment, decentralization, free enterprise, need, when they need it, by addressing and personal liberty.” He quotes MP the fiscal imbalance and establishing a : “He believes in lower patient wait-times guarantee with the taxes, lower debt, and scaling back provinces.” government from all aspects of Canadi- ans lives.” Like Rajotte, he calls Harper Fiscal Imbalance a libertarian—“believing that govern- The fiscal imbalance assumes that ments that govern best govern least— Ottawa is taxing too much for the rather than a social conservative who programs it offers, which means that the would impose Christian values on provinces are unable to tax enough for society.” those programs for which they are Harper’s election and the priorities of responsible. The Conservatives intend his new government seem to have to lower federal taxes so that the prov- proven Rajotte and McCarthy correct. inces can increase theirs. According to Harper has consistently downplayed the this theory, one of the biggest beneficia- main obsessions of the social conserva- ries would be health care. Constitution- tives, such as abortion and same-sex ally, it is a provincial responsibility. marriage, in favour of a broader agenda. The government has announced five 1. Cleaning Up Government major objectives that it plans to accom- The Federal Accountability Act is being plish in the first session of the 39th presented as a direct response to the sponsorship scandal investigated at the Parliament—an extremely ambitious Gomery Inquiry. According to the program for a minority government. Conservative Party Web site From the Prime Minister’s official (www.conservative.ca/EN/2275/): Web site (at www.pm.gc.ca/eng/ “With many accountability measures feature.asp?featureId=5): to be introduced, the Act will change the “Over the coming weeks and months, way business is done in Ottawa by: the Harper government will be focused • banning corporate and union dona- on five key priorities for Canadians. We tions, while limiting personal dona- are committed to: tions to $1 000; • cleaning up government by enacting and enforcing the Federal Account- • overhauling lobbying laws and ban- ability Act; ning all ministers, ministerial staffers, or senior public officials from lobby- • lower taxes for working Canadians;

CBC News in Review • March 2006 • Page 36 ing government for five years after allowance of $1 200 for every child Did you know . . . leaving their post; under six. Payments are expected to While it is not one • give more power to the Lobbyists begin by 2006. The govern- of his top five ment has also announced that it is can- priorities, closer Registrar, Ethics Commissioner, relations with the Information Commissioner, and the celling the deal made just before the is also Auditor General, and; election between the provinces and the one of Harper’s previous Liberal government, which priorities. To this • give the Auditor General a mandate to would have provided funding for estab- end he appointed conduct a complete review of the lishing new daycare spaces. Michael Wilson, more than $30-billion in annual After taxes, the actual benefit to most Minister of Finance federal grants, contributions, and is likely to be about $380 to $800 in the Mulroney contracts.” government, the dollars. Daycare costs usually range new ambassador to from $5 000 to $12 000 dollars per year. Washington (see 2. Lower Taxes for Working pm.gc.ca/eng/ Canadians 5. Delivering Health Care media.asp?id=1020 The Conservative government plans on While insisting that his government will for information on reducing the Federal Goods and Services uphold the Canada Health Act, the Wilson). The first Tax (the GST) by one per cent this year challenge will be government has set as a priority joining and another one per cent in five years. the negotiation of with the provinces to develop ways to a new North Ameri- reduce waiting times for major proce- 3. Strengthening the Justice can Aerospace dures. Defense Command System It is somewhat ironic that the new (NORAD) agree- The government has made a first move government’s first major confrontation ment, which must by subjecting the latest appointee to the be completed by with a provincial government may , Marshall late May 2006. come with Alberta. Its Premier, Ralph Rothstein, to a public questioning before his confirmation. The Conservatives are Klein, recently announced plans to also expected to introduce a new “tough introduce more private medicine into on crime” package that will significantly the province, in ways that most observ- increase penalties for criminals who use ers believe clearly contravene the guns or commit violent crimes. Canada Health Act.

4. Supporting Parents’ How will these priorities play out? Child-care Choices Most observers expect that government The program that received first approval ethics legislation and tougher crime from the new Conservative cabinet was laws are easily achievable. The budget- the child-care program, which will ary matters—especially lowering the provide to parents an annual taxable GST and solving the fiscal imbalance— will likely prove far more difficult.

Follow-up In your notebook, list each of the new Conservative government’s five priori- ties. Next to each one list the ways in which you think it reflects what Shawn McCarthy and James Rajotte identify as Harper’s basic beliefs and principles. Compare your results with those of your classmates. Extension Consider keeping this list and checking in a few months to assess how far along the government is in achieving its stated goals.

CBC News in Review • March 2006 • Page 37 STEPHEN HARPER: THE PATH TO POWER The First Cabinet

In appointing his first cabinet, the new Three major cabinet posts went to Further Research Prime Minister decided to create one of leading members of ’s A listing of all the the smallest in recent history. The Progressive Conservative members of Cana- da’s new federal cabinet consists of only 27 members, government. , an experi- cabinet, along with including the PM himself. enced provincial Finance minister, brief biographies, is Not all the choices were easy for became federal Minister of Finance. available at Harper to make. Ideally, a cabinet (who ran against Harper www.pm.gc.ca/eng/ rewards capable party members who for the Conservative Party leadership) cabinet.asp. A have worked hard to bring the party to was named Minister of Health. John listing of all mem- bers of the cabinet, power. It also seeks a balance in its Baird was appointed President of the parliamentary makeup. It should include members Treasury Board. secretaries and from all parts of the country. Urban and Because of the cabinet’s size, disap- Opposition Party rural areas should be represented. pointment was inevitable for some spokespersons can Women and visible minorities should members who might otherwise have be found at www.parl.gc.ca/ be given roles. expected an appointment. For example, information/about/ As expected, the West provided a media observers were quick to note the people/key/ large share of the new ministers—10— absence of of Calgary, Critic.asp?Language=E. just as it provided a large share of the first elected to Parliament as a Reform Conservative MPs elected in 2006. representative in 1993. Ablonczy was Ontario ridings were home to nine given the position of parliamentary Did you know . . . ministers. Quebec, the scene of a num- secretary to the Minister of Finance. Two of the possible ber of surprise Conservative election contenders for the leadership of the victories, furnished five more, and the Controversial Appointments Liberal Party, Atlantic Provinces the final three. Six When it came to putting together the women were chosen, and two ministers cabinet, Harper was hampered by a lack and , are members of visible minorities. of elected members from three of were once mem- Many of the faces were familiar ones. Canada’s largest cities—Vancouver, bers of the Con- servative Party and One of these was Stockwell Day, the Toronto, and . As a result, the might have been first leader of the Canadian Alliance Prime Minister made some appoint- expected to be in a Party, later defeated in a leadership ments that raised eyebrows across the new Conservative contest by Stephen Harper. He became country. cabinet. Minister of Public Safety. Peter None of these was more stunning MacKay, the leader of the Progressive than the appointment of David Conservative Party until its unification Emerson, a Liberal who had served as with the Canadian Alliance, became Minister of Industry in Paul Martin’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and of government, to the position of Minister Atlantic Opportunity. of International Trade. Emerson won Other prominent long-time Western his seat in Vancouver-Kingsway, a MPs selected by Harper included Chuck working-class riding in which the Strahl, given responsibility for Agricul- Conservative candidate ran a distant ture and the ; third. Emerson had been an outspoken , Minister of Citizenship critic of the Conservatives; for media and Immigration; and , Minis- representatives it was literally a “jaw- ter of Justice and Attorney-General. dropping” moment when he appeared to

CBC News in Review • March 2006 • Page 38 be sworn in as a member of the new (February 7, 2006), Jeffrey Simpson Definition government. The appointment infuri- reflected the views of many of Harper’s Lobbyist refers to a ated the voters of Vancouver- critics. “Using the Senate for political person who works to influence a Kingsway, who demanded Emerson’s purposes and offering cabinet posts to government on resignation. He refused to go, insisting lure political switchers were Liberal behalf of an inter- that constituents would have their chance tricks and, until yesterday, were always est group or busi- to vote him out in the next election. denounced by Conservatives, the self- ness organization. On March 3, 2006, the federal ethics described party of higher principle and chief, Bernard Shapiro, announced that he exemplary virtue. Mr. Harper defended would hold an inquiry into the Emerson the tricks, just as the Liberals usually Quote affair, investigating the conduct of both did, on the grounds of broadening his “. . . Mr. Harper Emerson and the Prime Minister. government.” struck the correct Harper’s office’s first reaction was to Many Conservative MPs—off the image in the cam- paign. It appeared indicate that it might not co-operate with record—also questioned the appoint- he had gained a the investigation, believing it to be politi- ments. “This looks like expediency, genuine sense of cally motivated (the Liberal government even hypocrisy,” The Globe and Mail the country and its appointed Shapiro to the position). (February 8, 2006) quoted one Conser- people. But with Equally controversial was the selec- vative MP as saying. “This is shocking. one foul stroke— tion of of Montreal as It’s just unbelievable. We campaigned his cabinet choices—he aban- Minister of Public Works. Fortier was a against this kind of stuff.” doned that good backroom organizer, co-chair of Some also questioned a third appoint- sense. Power went Harper’s 2003 leadership campaign, ment, that of Gordon O’Connor as to his head, as it and co-chair of the Conservatives’ 2006 Minister of Defence. O’Connor, a did with many of election campaign. He was never retired brigadier-general, had worked as the others.” — Lawrence Martin elected to public office. Harper an- a lobbyist for a number of major Cana- (The Globe and nounced that he would receive a Senate dian military suppliers before becoming Mail, February 9, appointment—especially surprising an MP in 2004. Critics questioned his 2006) from a Prime Minister who had always ability to be impartial in the awarding said he wanted to see an elected Senate. of defence contracts. Supporters argued Do you think this is Even more surprising was Fortier’s that his military and business experi- a fair assessment of Harper’s choice of cabinet responsibility: Public Works, ence made him the ideal person to Fortier and the department that was the centre of assume the leadership role in expanding Emerson? the sponsorship scandal. As a senator, Canada’s military forces. the new minister of this sensitive port- While some of the appointments may folio would never be subject to ques- have been surprising, there was no tioning by the House of Commons. surprise when Harper refused to back Writing in The Globe and Mail down on any of them. Activity What does it take to become a federal cabinet minister? What kind of back- ground qualifies you for the job? Go to the Prime Minister’s Web site at www.pm.gc.ca/eng/cabinet.asp, and choose a minister from the list. In point form, make notes on his or her educational, business, political, and family background (not every biography will have information on all of this.) Compare your notes with those of other members of your class. Do any common qualities emerge that make these individuals stand out from the crowd of average Canadians? Do you think that you might be cabinet material in the future? Why or why not?

CBC News in Review • March 2006 • Page 39 STEPHEN HARPER: THE PATH TO POWER In His Own Words

Shortly after the 2006 election, political The following is a series of quotations Further Research pundit Thomas Walkom wrote (Toronto or pairs of quotations from Stephen Several Web sites Star, January 26, 2006): “Harper is a Harper’s speeches and writings. As you provide a number of quotes from very precise man whose words have read the quotations, jot down the main politicians, includ- equally precise meanings.” Walkom is point that you think Harper is trying to ing Stephen not alone in his belief that when make. Do you agree with each quota- Harper. Two of Stephen Harper speaks, he always tion? Why or why not? Be prepared to these are Brainy means exactly what he says. support your choices in class discussion. Quotes (www.brainy quote.com) and In On Bilingualism Their Own Words “It is simply difficult—extremely difficult—for someone to become bilingual in a (www.intheir ownwords.ca). The country that is not. And make no mistake. Canada is not a bilingual country. In fact latter bills itself as it is less bilingual today than it has ever been. . . . So there you have it. As a reli- “Quotes by and gion, bilingualism is the god that failed. It has led to no fairness, produced no unity, about Canada’s and cost Canadian taxpayers untold millions.” — The Calgary Sun, May 6, 2001 Conservatives.” Agree ___ Disagree ___ Why? ______

“After all, enforced national bilingualism in this country isn’t mere policy. It has attained the status of a religion. It’s a dogma which one is supposed to accept without question.” — www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/s/stephenhar200019.html Agree ___ Disagree ___ Why? ______

On “I think in Atlantic Canada, because of what happened in the decades following Confederation, there is a culture of defeat that we have to overcome.” — www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/s/stephenhar200035.html Agree ___ Disagree ___ Why? ______

“It’s the idea that we just have to go along, we can’t change it, things won’t change. I think that’s the sad part, the sad reality traditional parties have bred in parts of Atlantic Canada.” — www.intheirownwords.ca/harper.html Agree ___ Disagree ___ Why? ______

On the United States “The world is now unipolar and contains only one superpower. Canada shares a continent with that superpower.” — www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/s/ stephenhar200055.html Agree ___ Disagree ___ Why? ______

CBC News in Review • March 2006 • Page 40 “The time has come to recognize that the U.S. will continue to exercise unprec- edented power in a world where international rules are still unreliable and where security and advancing of the free democratic order still depend significantly on the possession and use of military might.” — from a speech to the Institute for Research on Public Policy, quoted at www.intheirownwords.ca/harper.html Agree ___ Disagree ___ Why? ______

On Health-care Policies “We also support the exploration of alternative ways to deliver health care. Moving toward alternatives, including those provided by the private sector, is a natural development of our health-care system.” — from a 2002 Toronto Star article, quoted at www.intheirownwords.ca/harper.html Agree ___ Disagree ___ Why? ______

“I know this is a dangerous subject. My advisors say don’t talk about it, but the fact is sometimes provinces have allowed in the past few years, they’ve brought in private services covered by public health insurance. . . . Why do I care and why do we care as a federal government how they’re managed? What we care about is whether people can access them. This is just an ideological agenda.” — from the June 15, 2004 leadership debate, quoted at www.intheirownwords.ca/harper.html Agree ___ Disagree ___ Why? ______

On Minority Government “What the government has to do, if it wants to govern for any length of time, is it must appeal primarily to the third parties in the House of Commons to get them to support it.” — www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/s/stephenhar200064.html Agree ___ Disagree ___ Why? ______

“The government can only be brought down because it alienates several parties in the House.” — www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/s/stephenhar200051.html Agree ___ Disagree ___ Why? ______

On Government Policy on Social Issues “I have always said that controversial issues of a moral or religious nature, such as abortion, should be settled by free votes of MPs, not by party policy.” — www.intheirownwords.ca/harper.html Agree ___ Disagree ___ Why? ______

“I have no difficulty with the recognition of civil unions for non-traditional rela- tionships but I believe in law we should protect the traditional definition of mar- riage.” —www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/s/stephenhar200034.html Agree ___ Disagree ___ Why? ______

CBC News in Review • March 2006 • Page 41 On Federal and Provincial Government “Whether Canada ends up as one national government or two national governments or several national governments, or some other kind of arrangement is, quite frankly, secondary in my opinion.” — www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/s/ stephenhar200065.html Agree ___ Disagree ___ Why? ______

“Withdraw from the . . . . Collect our own revenue from personal income tax. . . . Resume provincial responsibility for health-care policy. If Ottawa objects to provincial policy, fight in the courts. . . . [E]ach province should raise its own revenue for health. . . . It is imperative to take the initiative, to build firewalls around Alberta, to limit the extent to which an aggressive and hostile federal government can encroach upon legitimate provincial jurisdiction.” — from a famous “Open Letter to ,” July 21, 2001, quoted at www.intheirownwords.ca/harper.html and at www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/ s/stephenhar200044.html Agree ___ Disagree ___ Why? ______

CBC News in Review • March 2006 • Page 42 STEPHEN HARPER: THE PATH TO POWER YV Dear Prime Minister

It is the right of all Canadians to write and express their opinions to their fed- eral representatives on matters that concern them. Government leaders are especially interested in hearing from their constituents on proposed new legis- lation.

Choose one of the new Conservative government’s five key priorities:

• Cleaning up government by enacting and enforcing the Federal Accountabil- ity Act • Lowering taxes for working Canadians; starting by reducing the GST • Protecting Canadian families and communities by strengthening the justice system • Supporting parents’ child-care choices through direct assistance and by creat- ing more daycare spaces • Delivering the health care Canadians need, when they need it, by addressing the fiscal imbalance and establishing a patient wait-times guarantee with the provinces Or choose another issue that is of particular interest to you, such as Canada-U.S. relations. Write a one-page letter (brief letters receive the best attention) to the Prime Minister outlining your concerns and the action you wish his govern- ment to take.

Writing to the Prime Minister is easy, and you don’t even need a stamp. The address is as follows:

The Right Honourable Stephen Harper Office of the Prime Minister 80 Wellington Street Ottawa, ON K1A 0A2

You may also e-mail the Prime Minister at [email protected].

The initial salutation for your letter is “Dear Prime Minister.” The correct final salutation is “Yours sincerely,”

You should also send a copy of your letter to your own Member of Parliament at his or her office in Ottawa. You will be able to locate your MP’s address at canada.gc.ca/directories/direct_e.html.

CBC News in Review • March 2006 • Page 43