National Citizens Coalition Celebrates the 20th Anniversary of the Right Honourable Stephen Harper's Formation of Government and the Unveiling of His Official Portrait
February 3, 2026 – As Director of the National Citizens Coalition (NCC), it is with great pride that I mark two significant occasions in Canadian political history: the 20th anniversary of the Right Honourable Stephen Harper's formation of government in February 2006, and today’s unveiling of his official portrait in the hallowed halls of Parliament Hill.
“Harperpalooza” was a popular term floating around the Calgary convention-room floor, and this much-anticipated gathering serves as poignant reminder of a leader whose vision and resolve reshaped our nation's conservative landscape, inspired countless politicians, staffers, and third-party campaigners, and fostered an era of stability, prosperity, and principled governance that continues to animate generations young and old today.
The National Citizens Coalition, founded by my grandfather, and once chaired by my father, is honoured to hold a special place in the Right Hon.’s narrative, as Mr. Harper served as President from 1998 to 2002. During his tenure, he embodied the NCC's core values of fiscal responsibility, individual freedom, and limited government – of fighting for ‘the little guy’ – that have defined the organization since its founding in 1967.
It was during his leadership at the NCC that he honed advocacy skills that would later help propel him to national prominence. We are deeply proud of his journey from our boardroom to the Prime Minister's Office, where he left an indelible mark on Canada. In 2003, Mr. Harper achieved what many deemed impossible: uniting a fractured right-wing movement. By merging the Canadian Alliance and the Progressive Conservative Party into the modern Conservative Party of Canada, he ended years of division that had weakened conservative voices and allowed liberal dominance to persist. This unification was not merely a political maneuver, but a strategic masterstroke that restored conservatism as a viable, unified force in Canadian politics. Without this bold step, the landscape we know today might look vastly different.
On February 6, 2006, following a hard-fought election, Mr. Harper formed his first minority government, ushering in nearly a decade of steady leadership. Through global financial crises, including the 2008 recession, Canada emerged stronger than its G7 peers, thanks to prudent economic policies, balanced budgets, and tax reductions that put more money back into the pockets of hardworking Canadians. His government invested in infrastructure, strengthened national security, and promoted free trade agreements that expanded opportunities for Canadian businesses. Domestically, initiatives like the Universal Child Care Benefit empowered families, while criminal justice reforms prioritized victims' rights and public safety. On immigration and finance, we were greatly served by the Hon. Jason Kenney, and the Hon. Jim Flaherty.
Internationally, Mr. Harper's principled stance elevated Canada's role on the world stage. From supporting allies in Afghanistan, his foreign policy was rooted in moral clarity and national interest. These accomplishments were achieved with a "steady hand," and a commitment to results over rhetoric.
The unveiling of Mr. Harper's portrait in Ottawa later today will be a fitting tribute, and we wish all those in attendance well. And as we reflect on these 20 years, the NCC is proud to recommit to advancing the ideals Mr. Harper championed.
We invite all Canadians to join us in celebrating this legacy. Together, we can ensure that the conservative renaissance he ignited endures for generations.
From all of us, congratulations, Prime Minister.
Sincerely,
Alexander Brown
Director, National Citizens Coalition
About the National Citizens Coalition: Founded in 1967, the NCC is Canada's pioneer small-c advocate for fiscal conservatism, individual liberty, and accountable government. We mobilize citizens to hold politicians and big government to account, and promote policies that empower everyday Canadians. In 2025, the NCC’s ads and advocacy efforts were viewed over 20 million times. For more information, visit www.nationalcitizens.ca.