Official portrait of former prime minister Stephen Harper to be unveiled Tuesday

OTTAWA — The official portrait of former prime minister Stephen Harper will be unveiled today on Parliament Hill, 20 years after he won an election that marked the beginning of almost a decade in power for the Conservatives.

The unveiling ceremony is scheduled to take place at 4 p.m. ET, with Prime Minister Mark Carney set to deliver remarks.

“It’s a very important day, the unveiling of Mr. Harper’s portrait,” said Carney, on his way into a cabinet meeting Tuesday morning. “A chance to reflect on his contributions and how great this country is.”

Harper was first elected as prime minister in 2006, two years after he founded the unified Conservative party that exists today. Harper led the party to two more federal election victories in 2008 and 2011.

The painting was completed by Canadian artist Phil Richards in 2023, with work beginning in 2022. Richards’ previous work also includes the official Canadian Diamond Jubilee portrait of Queen Elizabeth II in 2012.

This the 22nd portrait of a former Canadian prime minister to be unveiled, with the last addition being former prime minister Paul Martin in 2015. The portraits hang in the West Block foyer of the House of Commons.

The portrait unveiling is one of three events taking place this week in Ottawa to honour Harper’s legacy. On Monday, the former prime minister received a metal from the Royal Canadian Geographical Society celebrating his contributions to public service. A gala to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Harper government is scheduled to take place Wednesday evening.

National Post

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