A new portrait of Stephen Harper, Canada’s 22nd prime minister, was unveiled in Ottawa, drawing together figures from across the political spectrum. The ceremony, held within the historic Sir John A. Macdonald Building, marked a moment of reflection on a decade-long premiership and a call for unity in a deeply divided nation.
Harper, addressing a gathering of ministers, premiers, and former parliamentarians, spoke with urgency about the challenges facing Canada. He highlighted growing separatist sentiments in both Alberta and Quebec, alongside escalating trade tensions with the United States – even the unsettling suggestion of Canada becoming the 51st state.
His hope, he stated, was that his portrait would join a lineage of prime ministerial representations, spanning political divides. But this continuity, he argued, hinged on a collective effort to safeguard Canada’s independence from external pressures and preserve its internal cohesion.
The portrait itself is the work of Toronto artist Phil Richards, renowned for his 2012 Diamond Jubilee Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. Richards meticulously recreated the prime minister’s 1920 office, relying on architectural plans as the space was undergoing renovations when the project began in 2023.
Subtle details within the painting offer glimpses into Harper’s life and political philosophy. A Canada flag pin, a constant fixture on his lapel, is prominently displayed, while the colours of his tie are said to symbolize the core tenets of Canadian conservatism, as noted by his former communications director.
Further enriching the portrait’s narrative, a photograph on Harper’s desk depicts his family – wife Laureen, son Ben, and daughter Rachel – at 24 Sussex Drive, a poignant reminder of the personal life interwoven with public duty.
Mark Carney, appointed Governor of the Bank of Canada during Harper’s tenure, lauded the former prime minister’s composure and decisiveness. He emphasized Harper’s leadership during a period of global economic turmoil, a time rivaling the severity of the Great Depression.
Conservative Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre echoed this sentiment, acknowledging Harper’s steady hand during the late 2000s recession and the complex geopolitical landscape following the 9/11 attacks. He framed Harper’s successes not as relics of the past, but as a blueprint for future achievements.
The unveiling wasn’t simply a celebration of a past leader, but a stark acknowledgement of present anxieties and a plea for a united front. It served as a powerful visual and verbal reminder of the enduring challenges to Canada’s sovereignty and unity.
