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Harper Warns of Deepening Canadian Identity Crisis

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Tuesday, February 3rd 2026 at 20:21 GMT by The Globe and Mail
      Locales: Alberta, CANADA

Calgary, Alberta - February 4th, 2026 - Former Prime Minister Stephen Harper delivered a pointed and provocative speech yesterday, warning of a deepening identity crisis within Canada. Addressing a luncheon hosted by the Canada Strong Foundation, Harper argued that the nation's foundational sense of unity and shared values are increasingly vulnerable, requiring active and conscious preservation.

Harper's address, which resonated with some and drew criticism from others, comes at a particularly sensitive time. Canada continues to navigate complex debates surrounding immigration levels, diversity initiatives, and the evolving role of government in defining national identity - issues that have become increasingly polarized in recent years. The speech wasn't simply a nostalgic look backward, but a direct plea to current and future generations to consciously cultivate and defend what he sees as core Canadian principles.

"I worry that we are losing a sense of what it means to be Canadian," Harper stated. "We are facing an identity crisis, not because Canada is failing, but because we are not actively preserving what makes us, us." This wasn't framed as a condemnation of progress, but as a concern that the very factors contributing to Canada's success are being subtly eroded by neglect and a lack of proactive national dialogue.

Central to Harper's argument is the perceived overemphasis on identity politics. He contends that a relentless focus on defining individuals and communities primarily through categories like race, religion, or origin undermines the "bonds of common citizenship." While acknowledging the importance of celebrating diversity, he cautioned against allowing these distinctions to eclipse shared Canadian values and a sense of collective national purpose. He argued this fracturing process isn't organic, but a deliberate ideological push.

Harper didn't shy away from criticizing what he believes is a weakening of traditional Canadian institutions. He specifically cited the military, judiciary, and civil service, arguing that a decline in public support and a reluctance to robustly defend their integrity pose a significant threat to national sovereignty and the rule of law. He implied that successive governments had, through a combination of austerity and ideological shifts, eroded the strength and public standing of these institutions, leaving them vulnerable to both external and internal pressures.

"We have become less willing to stand up for our values," he asserted. "We have become too tolerant of those who seek to undermine our institutions and our freedoms." This statement echoes a broader sentiment - increasingly prevalent among conservative voices - that Canada has become overly apologetic on the world stage and insufficiently assertive in defending its national interests. The speech wasn't a call for isolationism, but for a confident and principled engagement with the global community.

However, Harper was quick to reaffirm his support for core Canadian tenets. He explicitly highlighted the importance of individual liberty, democracy, the rule of law, and - crucially - multiculturalism. His critique wasn't aimed at rejecting these principles, but at urging Canadians to actively live them, to ensure they remain vibrant and meaningful in a rapidly changing world. He stressed that multiculturalism, to be successful, must be predicated on a shared commitment to these foundational values.

The response to Harper's speech has been predictably divided. Supporters have lauded it as a timely and necessary call for national unity, arguing that Canada has drifted too far from its core principles. They see his warnings as a realistic assessment of the challenges facing the nation and a courageous attempt to spark a much-needed national conversation. Critics, however, have dismissed the speech as divisive and exclusionary, accusing Harper of employing dog-whistle politics and appealing to nativist sentiments. Some commentators have pointed to his own political record, arguing that his policies while in office often contributed to the very divisions he now decries.

Since leaving office in 2015, Harper has remained a prominent voice in Canadian politics. His recent launch of the Conservative Leadership Fund - a political organization dedicated to supporting Conservative candidates - underscores his continued commitment to shaping the future of the country. This speech is widely seen as a signal of his intent to remain an influential figure in the ongoing debate over Canadian identity and values. Whether his message will resonate with a broader audience remains to be seen, but it has undoubtedly injected a new level of urgency into the discussion.