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Many Conservatives, including those who might be interested in replacing him as Calgary Heritage MP, then turned their attention to Harper’s annual Calgary Stampede barbecue on July 9 to see if the former prime minister would announce his political departure. Nope. Nada.

Now, some Conservative activists and MPs expect Harper — much like his approach on the day of his party’s election defeat — will resign his seat without any fanfare and leave the official announcement up to the national party, his electoral district association or the House of Commons.

On federal election night, Harper didn’t announce his resignation as Conservative leader on stage in front of the cameras, but left the official announcement to the Conservative party president, who issued a news release to the media.

Hal Anderson, president of the Calgary Heritage Conservative riding association, said he has only heard of Harper’s apparent looming departure through the media.

“I have no knowledge, no information, other than what’s in the press. There has been nothing, either no comments from him, or no indication from Mr. Harper when, or if and when, he might resign,” Anderson told the Ottawa Citizen.

“The only thing we know is from the press this spring, saying that he’s probably going to resign before the fall. That’s the only information.”

The only thing we know is from the press this spring, saying that he’s probably going to resign before the fall. That’s the only information

An aide for Harper did not respond to a request for information about his upcoming plans.

While a member of Parliament, Harper continues to take home his $170,400 annual MP base salary.