Former PM Stephen Harper invested into Order of Canada in London
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OTTAWA — If Shakespeare thought distress acquaints folks with unusual bedfellows, he could effectively agree that mourning a cherished monarch might also bridge some political divides.
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At the least quickly.
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Such was the case Sunday in London, when former prime minister Stephen Harper was invested into the Order of Canada whereas three of his earlier political nemeses regarded on.
Harper is one in all 4 former prime ministers within the British capital for the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.
He was awarded the Companion of the Order of Canada in 2019, however an investiture ceremony had not taken place due to COVID-19.
So Gov. Gen. Mary Simon invested Harper in a personal ceremony in London Sunday afternoon whereas Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and former prime ministers Jean Chretien, Paul Martin and Kim Campbell regarded on.
“As we collect to have fun (the Queen), I used to be honoured to be invested into the Order of Canada by @GGCanada Mary Simon,” Harper mentioned, in a tweet posted in regards to the occasion.
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“Thanks to @CanadianPM Trudeau, former fellow Prime Ministers Martin, Chretien, Campbell & former Governors Basic Johnston & Jean for attending the ceremony.”
Former governors normal David Johnston, whom Harper appointed, and Michaelle Jean, had been additionally in attendance.
The dangerous political blood between Harper and Trudeau particularly is well-documented, however the two posed aspect by aspect for pictures after the ceremony.
Having a number of former prime ministers and governors normal attend a world funeral collectively is just not an unparalleled observe.
Whereas Harper was prime minister in 2013, Chretien, Campbell, Jean, former governor normal Adrienne Clarkson and former prime minister Brian Mulroney flew with him to South Africa for the funeral of Nelson Mandela.
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In her personal tweet final week, Harper’s spouse, Laureen Teskey Harper responded to a journalist who prompt the flight to London can be fascinating with all of the political actors on the identical airplane.
“Fascinating,” she queried. “Very fascinating if previous journeys are a reference. A number of laughter, tales and I’m certain this time, reminiscing in regards to the Queen. These kind of journeys are at all times great to be a part of.”
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Chretien spoke briefly to media Sunday and was requested about being round all the opposite Canadian leaders.
“So many collectively and no struggle,” he mentioned laughing. “In order that’s good.”
He mentioned there aren’t very many events for this type of gathering.
“We all know one another, went by means of the identical struggles,” he mentioned. “We fought towards one another. Similar to after we play hockey, we will be robust on the ice, then we go and have a beer after the sport.”
Order of Canada ceremonies are usually not usually held in secret, however Rideau Corridor and the Prime Minister’s Workplace selected to not inform media travelling with the delegation about both Harper’s occasion Sunday or an analogous one Saturday that noticed actress Sandra Oh and Olympic swimmer Mark Tewksbury invested into the Order. No rationalization for the secrecy has but been provided.
Tewksbury later mentioned doing the ceremony allowed him and Oh to put on the Order of Canada insignia to the queen’s funeral, which is ready to happen at Westminster Abbey on Monday.
