If you want to be a government in a minority Parliament, you have to work with other people

If you want to be a government in a minority Parliament, you have to work with other people

Stephen Harper, the former Prime Minister of Canada, was known for his strong leadership and conservative policies during his time in office. However, one of the key lessons that can be learned from his tenure is the importance of working with other people in a minority Parliament.

Harper first came to power in 2006 with a minority government, meaning that his party did not hold a majority of seats in the House of Commons. This meant that in order to pass legislation and govern effectively, Harper had to work with other parties to gain their support. While Harper was known for his strong-willed and sometimes divisive approach to politics, he also understood the necessity of compromise and collaboration in a minority government.

Throughout his time in office, Harper was able to work with opposition parties to pass key pieces of legislation, such as the 2009 budget and the 2011 budget. By reaching across party lines and finding common ground with his political opponents, Harper was able to govern effectively and maintain the confidence of the House of Commons.

Harper's ability to work with other people in a minority Parliament also extended to his approach to coalition building. While Harper was known for his tough stance on issues such as crime and national security, he also recognized the importance of building alliances with other parties to achieve his policy goals. For example, Harper formed a coalition with the NDP to pass the 2007 budget, demonstrating his willingness to work with parties across the political spectrum.