Stephen Harper's Official Portrait Unveiled in Ottawa Ceremony
The official portrait of Stephen Harper, Canada's 22nd prime minister who led the nation for nearly a decade, was formally unveiled during a ceremony in Ottawa on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. The event marked a significant moment in Canadian political history, occurring twenty years after Harper's first federal election victory.
Ceremony Attended by Political Leaders and Dignitaries
Harper addressed a distinguished audience at the Sir John A. Macdonald Building, which included current ministers, provincial premiers, former members of parliament, and other notable guests. In his remarks, the former prime minister emphasized the importance of political unity during what he described as a fractious period in Canada's history.
"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," Harper stated during the ceremony. "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."
His comments referenced ongoing challenges including separation movements in Alberta and Quebec, as well as trade tensions with the United States amid suggestions from former President Donald Trump about Canada potentially becoming the 51st state.
Portrait Created by Renowned Toronto Artist
The portrait was painted by Phil Richards, a Toronto-based artist renowned for his 2012 Diamond Jubilee Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. Richards depicted Harper seated in the 1920 office of the prime minister, utilizing architectural drawings to accurately represent the space which was undergoing renovations when the project began in 2023.
The artwork contains numerous symbolic elements reflecting Harper's personal background and political philosophy:
- A Canadian flag pin on his lapel, which Harper continues to wear regularly
- A tie whose colors represent various elements of Canadian conservatism
- Four small flags on the bookshelf representing Alberta (his adult home province), Ontario (his childhood home province), New Brunswick (the ancestral home of the Harper family), and the Kainai Nation
- A family photograph on the desk showing Harper with his wife Laureen, son Ben, and daughter Rachel at 24 Sussex Drive
Political Leaders Reflect on Harper's Legacy
Prime Minister Mark Carney, who was appointed governor of the Bank of Canada during Harper's tenure, spoke at the unveiling ceremony. "In a political climate increasingly buffeted by noise, he brought composure, intellect, and decisiveness to public life," Carney remarked. "Qualities that helped see Canada through one of the most perilous times since the Great Depression."
Conservative Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre also addressed the gathering, noting that Harper provided stability as prime minister during challenging periods including the late 2000s recession and conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. "We look back on his many successes not just in nostalgia but with hope," Poilievre said. "Because it's been done before, it can be done again."
The portrait's unveiling represents not only a recognition of Harper's political career but also serves as a reminder of the ongoing importance of national unity and political cooperation in addressing Canada's contemporary challenges.
