Stephen Harper to be awarded medal for public service at onset of 20th anniversary of his first election

OTTAWA — Former Prime Minister Stephen Harper is set to receive a gold medal from the Royal Canadian Geographical Society Monday afternoon, the first of many events this week marking the 20-year anniversary of his first election as prime minister.

In a release, the society said the honour was to mark Harper’s “distinguished career in public service” as Canada’s 22nd prime minister from Feb. 6, 2006 to Nov. 4, 2015.

“During his tenure as prime minister, Mr. Harper emphasized the importance of Arctic sovereignty to Canada, foreshadowing recent geopolitical developments in that region. His government oversaw the creation of Canada’s first urban national park in the Rouge Valley, protected Sable Island as a national park reserve, expanded Nahanni National Park and created Nááts’ihch’oh National Park in the Northwest Territories,” reads a press release by the RCGS.

Harper will then participate in a fireside chat with former Liberal Prime Minister Jean Chrétien.

The event is the first of many events in Ottawa this week marking Harper’s decade-long tenure as prime minister that began nearly exactly 20 years ago.

On social media, Harper noted he was excited to be back in Ottawa for the commemorations.

“Laureen and I are excited to be in Ottawa this week and looking forward to seeing so many friends and former colleagues from across our great country. We’re grateful for the chance to reconnect and celebrate our government’s 20th anniversary with everyone!,” he wrote on X.

Tuesday, he will participate in the unveiling of his official portrait on Parliament Hill that will sit in West Block. The portrait was painted by artist Phil Richards. Wednesday, he will attend a gala dinner honouring the 20th anniversary of his Conservative government’s first election.

• Harper's official portrait to be unveiled 20 years after he led Conservatives to victory
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