COLUMN: View from the Legislature – Harper does it right

The appearance of former Prime Minister Stephen Harper at the recent investment summit in Toronto likely upset a few federal Conservatives and federal Liberals. Conservatives because it was a signature event of Liberal Prime Minister Mark Carney and Liberals because more than a few still likely harbour ill feelings to the man who was Canada’s last Conservative prime minister. But, in reality, Harper was fulfilling the role that former prime ministers or premiers have filled for decades, coming together across party lines at times when it was most needed by a province or a country.

We have seen the same type of cross-party support in times of financial crisis or attacks such as those that happened on Sept. 11, 2001. At times when the national unity of the country has been challenged, such as during past Quebec sovereignty referendums, there has also been a coming together across political party lines. That is also the case currently in Alberta ahead of their vote on issues of sovereignty where former United Conservative Premier Jason Kenney and former NDP Premier Rachel Notley have put aside past differences to speak together about the importance of Alberta staying in Canada.

In fact, this is something that current Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre also recognized after Mr. Harper’s appearance at the investment summit. He noted that it was the right thing for Mr. Harper to be at the investment summit because Conservatives have always put Canada first. That is the right response, even though Mr. Poilievre is in a difficult position in the current political environment.

There is little doubt that Canadians feel that the current economic threat that has been created by the U.S. administration moving away from the decades long broad agreements on free trade is among the most serious that Canada has faced in a long time. And most Canadians would value seeing their political leaders come together during this time to meet this challenge. But it is also the job of the Official Opposition to ask important questions and to ensure there is transparency and accountability for the very serious decisions that are being made. Holding the government to account while still maintaining a team Canada posture is a difficult line to walk for any opposition.

But for Mr. Harper, the decision to attend must have been clear and straightforward. Both for Canadians and those watching externally, it is important that in this challenging time Canada puts forward a united front when it comes to both its economic security and national sovereignty. The appearance of a former Conservative prime minister along with a former Liberal prime minister (Jean Chretien was also in attendance), sends a clear message of unity.

None of that means that there isn’t room for important questions on the consequential decisions that are being made federally and provincially these days. Those questions are as important as ever. But in an era of extreme partisanship it is also important to see demonstrations of cross-party cooperation, which was, in the past, a more common occurrence. Former Prime Minister Harper often demonstrated the ability to do the right thing when it was needed most. And he did so again.