Former Prime Minister Stephen Harper is to give up his seat as an MP and leave Canadian politics to focus on his businesses, according to reports.
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“For a total of almost 18 years, I have had the tremendous honour of representing Calgary in the Parliament of Canada”. On seven occasions, I’ve been deeply humbled by your trust and support.
“We have a proud record, but the past is no place to linger”, Harper said.
The Member of Parliament announced he’s stepping down from his Calgary Heritage riding.
Watch the full statement here.
Harper will run an global consulting company, Harper & Associates, which is based in Calgary.
Harper served as the elected representative of his Calgary, Albert, constituents for 17 years and as prime minister for nearly 10 of those years, from 2006 to 2015, when he and his party were defeated by the Liberals and current Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Harper encouraged Canadians to pursue the principles the country has stood for in the past at home and overseas for the future children of the country.
The party will choose a new leader in May.
Harper served as a Reform MP from 1993 to 1997, before taking a hiatus from politics until 2002. We took principled decisions in a complex and risky world.
Harper is also expected to send out a statement and video message on his social media channels.
More than anything, Prime Minister Harper loves his family, and we thank Laureen, Ben and Rachel for sharing him with us for over 20 years. It was Prime Minister Harper who stood up to Vladimir Putin and led the charge to have Russian Federation removed from the G8. On the domestic front, Ambrose said, he steered the country through the 2008 great recession.
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Against a stunning background on the Saguenay River in Quebec, where the Liberal caucus met today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau bid Stephen Harper the best, and thanked him for the orderly and respectful transition of power, following the election.
