Statement on the election of Stephen Harper as Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada and Leader of the Official Opposition

March 20, 2004
Ottawa, Ontario

STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER

Prime Minister Paul Martin today issued the following statement on the election of Stephen Harper as Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada and Leader of the Official Opposition:

“Sheila and I would like to extend our sincere congratulations to Stephen, his family and their supporters on a decisive triumph.

As Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, Mr. Harper will doubtless exhibit his trademark focus on policy matters. As Leader of the Opposition, he will surely build on his reputation as a skilled and respected participant in the debates of the House of Commons.

As Stephen himself put it today: The decision of Conservative party members ensures Canadians will be presented with a clear choice of political alternatives in the coming election.

Again, I welcome Stephen to his new position and look forward to what I am sure will be a vigorous and informative debate in the days ahead.”

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