Stephen Harper: A Canadian Prime Minister Evaluated
In the complex tapestry of Canadian political history, Stephen Harper holds a significant place. This article delves into the perception of Harper among Canadians, examining why he is either considered a disappointment or an excellent prime minister, compared to his successors.
Disappointment vs. Excellence
As a Canadian, my initial reaction to the period under Harper was one of disappointment. In his tenure from 2006 to 2015, Harper did not achieve the comprehensive reduction in government size and scope that was expected, especially during his majority government from 2011 to 2015. While this perspective suggests a general disenchantment, it also underscores the belief that under Harper, the potential for transformative change was not fully realized.
Contrastingly, Harper stands out as exceptionally better than his successor, Justin Trudeau. Trudeau, in my opinion, has significantly derailed Canadian progress. Since the mid-2010s, Trudeau has managed to rule with a constant majority, bolstered by the support of the New Democratic Party (NDP). This governance structure has allowed Trudeau to implement policies that many Canadians find concerning.
Criticism of Stephen Harper
Harper, in hindsight, is seen as the worst Canadian prime minister in history, with policies that have indirectly contributed to the surge of authoritarian regimes worldwide. His actions and inactions have supported various conservative movements, advocating for the dismantling of public services and broadcasting as they exist, and pushing forward anti-democratic agendas.
The environmental record epitomizes the darker aspects of Harper's legacy. He pulled Canada out of the Kyoto protocol, reduced tax incentives for electric vehicles, and cut back on investments in green technology. His support for the highly polluting tar sands and the muzzling of scientists further solidified his position as an environmental villain. While no government is perfect, Harper’s environmental record stands out as one of the worst in Canadian history.
Harper: Love or Hate?
Initially, Harper evoked a mix of hatred and dislike due to his conservative policies. With the rise of Trumpian conservatism, my opinion has softened. Harper could have been a worse prime minister, but he was also not the best. He was an average figure, with a mediocre environmental record, a tough-on-crime approach, and mixed policies on immigration and indigenous issues.
Harper’s stance on environmental issues was particularly damning. Cutting green technology investments and ignoring the importance of renewable energy resources not only set back sustainable development but also had profound environmental consequences. His tough-on-crime policies, such as mandatory minimum sentences, have questionable long-term efficacy. While they may seem effective in the short term, they do not address the root causes of crime, which involves social and economic factors.
Immigration policies have also been a contentious issue during Harper’s tenure. Initially, his focus on skilled immigrants seemed positive, but it led to a flawed approach, where talented individuals were steered into low-paying jobs. The controversial Bill C-51, the niqab issue, and reluctance towards welcoming refugees early on were significant factors in his political downfall. However, it's necessary to recognize that his policies eventually improved, and he began to prioritize sound immigration practices.
In indigenous affairs, Harper failed to make significant progress. The legacy of colonial policies continues to haunt Canada, and while the current government has made small strides, they are not fundamentally different from Harper’s approach. His strategies did little to address the systemic issues faced by indigenous communities.
Harper also altered Canada's foreign policy, making it more hawkish and less conciliatory. While this shift may have weakened our international standing, it was not the gravest issue given the broader challenges facing Canada and the world.
Economic Record
On the economic front, Harper's record is a mixed bag. His support for Keynesian economic policies during the Great Recession shows that he was capable of running larger deficits to stimulate the economy. However, his tax cuts, while regressive in some cases, also provided some progressive benefits. For instance, extending family allowances and cutting the HST rate had a positive impact on certain groups, particularly lower-income families.
While Harper was praised for his economic record by conservative circles, it's essential to recognize that the scale and nature of his fiscal policies were more significant than what is typically highlighted. His ability to run larger deficits during times of economic distress suggests a more nuanced approach to economic management than what his conservative supporters might like to admit.
In conclusion, Stephen Harper’s legacy is a complex one. While his failed environment record and some of his policies can be criticized heavily, it's also important to acknowledge the areas where he might have provided marginal benefits. Harper was an average prime minister with faults and failures, but he wasn't as bad as many would like to make him out to be. He was simply an uncharismatic, albeit average, center-right figure in Canadian politics.