Harper’s back in chatter as Canada’s former PM, amid US-Canada skirmishes and conservative leadership shifts reshaping the map. Born 1959, economist, PM 2006–2015.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has announced an Oct. 19 vote on whether Alberta should stay in Canada or pursue a binding referendum on separation, while stressing she supports remaining in Canada. The move follows a court ruling on a citizen-initiated referendum and a caucus push for a vote, with federal discussions on an oil pipeline to the Pacific coast continuing in parallel.