Former prime minister Stephen Harper is being celebrated at several events in Ottawa this week as he marks the 20th anniversary of his Conservative government, which took office on Feb. 6, 2006.
On Monday afternoon, the Royal Canadian Geographical Society will present Harper with its gold medal for “his distinguished career in public service, including his tenure as the 22nd Prime Minister of Canada,” according to a press release.
The award ceremony will be followed by a fireside chat featuring former Liberal prime minister Jean Chrétien, who received the society’s gold medal in 2022 along with former Liberal prime minister Paul Martin.
On Tuesday afternoon, Harper’s official portrait will be revealed during a ceremony at the Sir John A. Macdonald Building in downtown Ottawa.
This portrait was created by Canadian artist Phil Richards, who has painted other notable Canadians like former Bank of Canada governor Stephen Poloz and former Ontario premier Bob Rae.
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Stephen Harper begins his minority government in 2006
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Richards also painted the official Canadian Diamond Jubilee portrait of Queen Elizabeth II.
On Wednesday, there will be a gala dinner celebrating the 20th anniversary of Harper’s government.
The gala organizing committee includes former chiefs of staff Ian Brodie and Ray Novak, along with former Conservative senator Nicole Eaton.
In a statement shared on social media Sunday afternoon, Harper expressed that he’s “excited to be in Ottawa this week and looking forward to seeing so many friends and former colleagues from across our great country.”
“We’re grateful for the chance to reconnect and celebrate our government’s 20th anniversary with everyone!” Harper added.
Harper served as prime minister for nine years and eight months before losing to former Liberal prime minister Justin Trudeau in the 2015 federal election.
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