Stephen Harper was born on April 30, 1959, in Canada. He grew up in a middle-class family in Toronto, Ontario, where he attended Richview Collegiate Institute. It was during his school years that he first showed an interest in politics, participating in the Reach for the Top television quiz show as a member of his school's team. This early exposure to public speaking and competition would serve him well in his future political career.
Harper's political career officially began in the 1980s when he joined the Reform Party of Canada, a right-wing political party focused on fiscal conservatism and democratic reform. He quickly rose through the ranks, eventually becoming the party's leader in 2002. In 2003, the Reform Party merged with the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada to form the Conservative Party of Canada, with Harper as its first leader.
Harper's leadership of the Conservative Party was marked by his strong stance on issues such as tax reform, government spending, and national security. In 2006, Harper was elected as the 22nd Prime Minister of Canada, a position he would hold for nearly a decade.
Harper's time as Prime Minister was not without its challenges. In 2011, his Cabinet was defeated in a no-confidence vote after being found in contempt of Parliament. Despite this setback, Harper led the Conservative Party to victory in the subsequent election, winning his third consecutive term as Prime Minister.
Throughout his time in office, Harper faced criticism for his close ties to the fossil fuel industry and his support for the export of Canadian oil to the United States and China. Despite these controversies, Harper remained steadfast in his commitment to promoting Canadian interests on the world stage.
Harper married Laureen Teskey in 1993, and the couple has two children together. Despite his busy political career, Harper values his family life and has spoken publicly about the importance of work-life balance.
After leaving office in 2015, Harper continued to be involved in Canadian politics as a commentator and consultant. His time as Prime Minister left a lasting impact on the country, with many praising his strong leadership and commitment to conservative principles.
Stephen Harper's career as a world leader may have had its ups and downs, but his dedication to his beliefs and his love for his country have left a lasting legacy that will not soon be forgotten.