Harper calls for national unity, independence at portrait unveiling

OTTAWA — Former prime minister Stephen Harper’s official portrait was unveiled in Ottawa Tuesday, ahead of the 20th anniversary of the election of his first Conservative government.

Speaking to a crowd of ministers, premiers, current and former MPs and other dignitaries, Harper stressed that parties must work together to preserve Canada’s national unity and independence.

“I sincerely hope that mine is just one of many portraits of prime ministers from both parties that will continue to be hung here for decades and centuries to come,” said Harper.

“But that will require that in these perilous times, both parties, whatever their other differences, come together against external forces that threaten our independence and against domestic policies that threaten our unity.”

Harper added that “we must preserve Canada.”

“We must make any sacrifice necessary to preserve the independence and the unity of this blessed land,” he said.

Harper’s portrait was presented in a ceremony at the Sir John A. Macdonald Building in downtown Ottawa.

The portrait was painted by Canadian artist Phil Richards, who is known for the Diamond Jubilee Portrait of Queen Elizabeth 2.

Richards said he and Harper started “serious work” on the project in 2023 at Harper’s home in Alberta. He said the experience allowed him to get to know the former prime minister as “a brilliant, pragmatic intellectual with expansive interests and an authentic curiosity of the world around him.”

The portrait depicts Harper in the 1920 office of the prime minister, which is undergoing renovations but was recreated based on architectural drawings. The painting is filled with references relating to Harper, including his cat, Stanley, and some of the books he has written.

Harper was sworn in as prime minister in February 2006 and served in the role until November 2015, when he stepped down after his party was defeated by Justin Trudeau’s Liberals.

The Harper years brought some sweeping changes to Canada, including a cut to bring the GST to five per cent and some controversial tough-on-crime policies.

Harper also successfully introduced a motion in the House of Commons in 2006 that recognized the Québécois as “a nation within a united Canada” and formally apologized in 2008 on behalf of Canadians for the residential schools system.

Before the portrait’s unveiling, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre told the House of Commons Harper “reminds us of better days” and pointed to his leadership through a recession and two wars.

Poilievre said Harper passed laws that kept Canada’s streets safe and expanded opportunity for Canadians.

“We look back on his many successes not just in nostalgia but with hope. Because it’s been done before, it can be done again,” Poilievre said.

During question period Tuesday, Prime Minister Mark Carney pointed out that Harper was sitting in the gallery and said it would be an honour to unveil his portrait.

Speaking on Tuesday afternoon, Carney said the official portraits of prime ministers seek to capture their character and the context that defined their leadership. He said Harper’s portrait pays tribute to his service to others, his leadership and love for Canada.

Carney said Harper was a balanced-budget conservative, a comment which received applause from the crowd.

He also said Harper spoke about the importance of national unity and that he shares that vision.

“In a political climate increasingly buffeted by noise, he brought composure, intellect, and decisiveness to public life,” said Carney, who was appointed governor of the Bank of Canada under Harper.

“Qualities that helped see Canada through one of the most perilous times since the Great Depression.”

Speaking to The Canadian Press, Ontario Premier Doug Ford said before the portrait unveiling that Harper did an incredible job as prime minister and that he thinks the world of him.

“I always say there’s a lot of politicians that sit in the room and they think they’re the smartest people in the room,” Ford said. “The difference is, between all the other politicians, Stephen Harper was the smartest guy sitting in the room most times.”

Former Governor General of Canada David Johnston said after the ceremony that he was at the event to “honour one of the great Canadians.”

“It was just very inspiring to hear from Prime Minister Harper and Prime Minister Carney and the reinforcement they provided to one to the other,” he said referencing the speeches which discussed national unity and values.

Johnston said the portrait is “superb.”

“It showed us a wonderful smile on the prime minister’s face, and it captures someone that I wish more Canadians would know,” he said.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 3, 2026.

— With files from Sarah Ritchie

Catherine Morrison, The Canadian Press