Former Prime Minister Stephen Harper said Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre could lead Canada to “a better, stronger, and more united future” at a rally in Edmonton on April 7, which drew more than 15,000 attendees, according to party estimates.
Harper introduced the Conservative leader at the rally in the south of Edmonton, the first rally Poilievre has held in Alberta and the largest any party has held during the election campaign.
In his remarks, Harper argued that while Canada faces a “historically challenging time in the form of the Trump administration,” many of the country’s issues “were created by the policies of three Liberal terms.” He suggested these challenges could be seen as an opportunity to “make Canada what it should be.”
“We will only get there with leadership from a person who has an actual policy plan, from a person who has been right on all the big issues for a decade, and a person who has the energy and yes, the youth, to take us forward into a better, stronger and more united future,” Harper said.
“That person has been my colleague, he is my friend, he is our leader, and he is the next prime minister of Canada, Pierre Poilievre,” Harper added, before inviting Poilievre and his wife, Anaida Poilievre, to the stage.
Harper, who was prime minister from 2006 to 2015, said he was in a “unique position” to offer his endorsement in this federal election, as both of the leading candidates for prime minister previously worked for him.
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Liberal Leader Mark Carney served as Bank of Canada governor during Harper’s time as prime minister, while Poilievre held various cabinet roles, including minister of employment and social development.
“In that regard, my choice, without hesitation, without equivocation, without a shadow of a doubt, is Pierre Poilievre,” Harper said.
In his nearly 10-minute speech, Harper highlighted Poilievre’s political career, moving from backbench MP to parliamentary secretary, junior and senior cabinet minister, party leader, and ultimately, candidate for prime minister. Harper also previously endorsed Poilievre for Conservative Party Leader in 2022.
“Elected accountable political experience and the capacity for growth with that political experience—that is what Pierre has demonstrated for two decades, and that is the single most important characteristic a prime minister needs,” Harper said.
When Poilievre came on stage, he called Harper “the greatest prime minister of the 21st century” and the “greatest mentor I could ever ask for.”
“It is an incredible honour to have you here on this stage,” Poilievre said to Harper. “It was a little surreal, I have to confess.”
The Conservative leader then addressed the crowd, sharing memories from his younger years in his home province of Alberta.
The Conservatives have held rallies across the country, often drawing large crowds. Poilievre was in Terrace, B.C., earlier in the day, announcing that a Conservative government would accelerate approvals for resource projects.
Harper’s endorsement of Poilievre comes as the race between the Conservatives and the Liberals has tightened following Carney’s election as new Liberal leader.
Carney held a rally in Richmond, B.C., on the same night, where he highlighted his actions since becoming prime minister, including the reduction of the consumer carbon tax to zero. He also emphasized the threat of U.S. tariffs on Canada and pledged to support British Columbians affected by them.
The rally reportedly drew more than 2,000 attendees.
“I’m not a career politician. I am a pragmatist,” Carney said. “So when I see that something’s not working I change it.”
He also criticized Poilievre, arguing that, unlike him, the Conservative leader lacks the experience needed to build a national economy.
“Pierre Poilievre is that type of life-long politician who worships at the altar of the free-market despite never having actually worked in the private sector or made a payroll,” Carney said.
Poilievre is set to hold his next rally in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., on April 8, the same day Carney will make his first Alberta campaign stop in Calgary.
