There is a meme that has been doing the rounds on social media for several years now that shows various pictures of Stephen Harper with the caption “Miss me yet?”

It’s only natural that Conservative members and diehard fans of the former Prime Minister would promote such an image even mere hours into the era of Justin Trudeau.

But now it appears that, having had a few years to think about it, a whole lot more Canadians might also agree with the sentiment. They seem to miss Stephen Harper, or at least place great value on his legacy.

A recent under-reported survey by Montreal-based pollster Leger asked Canadians who they considered the top Prime Minister of the last 50 years.

Stephen Harper came out on top, with a plurality of the votes at 24%. Trudeau came second. But not the current one.

Pierre Elliott Trudeau won the support of 22% of respondents. Jean Chretien and Brian Mulroney followed, with the current office holder scoring a poor fifth-place showing.

Only 9% of Canadians think Justin Trudeau is the best PM of the past half century.

It’s interesting to note that the only PMs he beats are the one hit wonders who only served a single, short term: Paul Martin, Joe Clark, John Turner, and Kim Campbell.

Now – as Lavscam unfolds – is an interesting time to ask whether Trudeau will be later considered relegated to the dustbin of history like the PMs at the back of the pack or whether he will live to see another term and forge a true legacy.

(This poll was conducted a week after the initial Lavscam news was reported but before the testimony of Jody Wilson-Raybould.)

Leger did not ask what was behind these responses. But it shouldn’t be a surprise that the calm and consistent tone of Stephen Harper’s leadership now looks very appealing compared to the messy ride of the past few years.

It may just be in part that absence makes the heart grow fonder. Regardless, this poll shows if Justin Trudeau wants to seek re-election by fear-mongering about a return to the Harper years, it may backlash.

Canadians look back on those years fondly.