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Harper Unlikely to Share the Hardships He Advises for Fellow Canadians

Chronicle Herald: February 20, 2025

“Nothing over the centuries has more often been urged than the social rewards of hardship, urged by those who will not have to suffer it.’

According to a February 14, 2025, Post Media article, 'I would be prepared to impoverish the country and not be annexed, if that was the option we’re facing,' the former prime minister reportedly said.

I take Stephen Harper at his word. However, it is unlikely that he would be willing to relinquish one penny of his subsidized $200,000 pension or meekly accept the sort of earnings claw-back imposed on seniors and disabled military veterans. I can’t imagine Harper accepting the idea that he is not (like David Dingwall), “…entitled to his entitlements.”

As well, Harper’s vaunted fiscal conservatism was notably absent post-politics when Harper and Associates queued for federal emergency wage subsidies along with everyone else who needed a “hand-up, not a hand out”. This action says much about his approach to the sanctity of the public purse.

If Mr. Harper was demonstrably willing to accept any level of damage to his own financial welfare, I might respect his bold statement. Does anyone really believe that a man accustomed to comfort and privilege would gladly suffer personal deprivation for the sake of Canada?