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Stephen Harper

Stephen Harper is a Canadian politician, economist, author, and former prime minister of Canada.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Stephen Harper is a Canadian politician, economist, author, and former prime minister of Canada. He served as Canada’s 22nd prime minister from 2006 to 2015 and was the first leader of the modern Conservative Party of Canada. After leaving office, he remained active in public life through consulting, international political roles, and business appointments.

Early life and education

Stephen Harper was born in Toronto, Ontario, in 1959 and later moved to Alberta. He studied economics at the University of Calgary before entering politics.

Political career

Harper entered federal politics in the 1990s, became a key figure in the merger that formed the modern Conservative Party, and led the party to power in 2006. He remained prime minister until 2015.

Prime ministership

As prime minister, Harper led Canada through three general election wins and governed for nearly a decade. His tenure is associated with fiscal restraint, tax policy changes, and major international summits in Canada.

Life after politics

Harper resigned from Parliament in 2016 and later worked in consulting, board roles, and international political organisations. He has also served as chairman of the International Democracy Union.

Key facts

  • Harper was born in Toronto on April 30, 1959.
  • He served as prime minister of Canada from 2006 to 2015.
  • He led the modern Conservative Party of Canada and was its first leader.
  • He was prime minister during three consecutive election victories in 2006, 2008, and 2011.
  • After leaving Parliament in 2016, he took on consulting and international leadership roles.
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Canadian context

Stephen Harper is a major figure in modern Canadian federal politics. His tenure shaped the Conservative Party and a decade of Canadian government policy, making him directly relevant to Canadian political history and current public debate.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Stephen Harper?
Stephen Harper is a Canadian politician and economist who served as Canada’s 22nd prime minister from 2006 to 2015.
How old is Stephen Harper?
He was born on April 30, 1959, which makes him 67 years old as of July 23, 2026.
When was Stephen Harper Prime Minister?
Stephen Harper was prime minister from 2006 to 2015.
What party did Stephen Harper lead?
He led the Conservative Party of Canada, and he was its first leader after the party’s formation.
What did Stephen Harper do?
He served as prime minister, led the Conservative Party, and later took on consulting and international leadership roles after leaving elected office.
Where is Stephen Harper now?
Available sources indicate that he lives in Calgary, Alberta, and remains active in business and international political work.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Harper
    Supports: Birth date; prime minister term; leadership of the Conservative Party; post-political roles.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Stephen-Harper
    Supports: Birth date and place; prime minister term.
  3. The Canadian Encyclopedia — https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/stephen-joseph-harper
    Supports: Canadian political biography and major significance.
  4. Government of Alberta — https://www.alberta.ca/aoe-stephen-harper
    Supports: Biographical overview; prime minister term; Alberta connection.
  5. House of Commons of Canada — https://www.ourcommons.ca/members/en/stephen-harper(1733)/roles
    Supports: Former member of Parliament status.
  6. International Democracy Union — https://idu.org/leadership/the-right-honourable-stephen-harper/
    Supports: Current role as chairman; residence in Calgary; post-office activities.
  7. Governor General of Canada — https://www.gg.ca/en/honours/recipients/146-109168
    Supports: Canadian honours and summary of accomplishments.