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Then, when Harper took over as president of the National Citizens Coalition, Novak joined up as a researcher. Novak moved to Ottawa in 2002 when Harper became leader of the Canadian Alliance in 2002.

Over the years Novak earned Harper’s trust and was highly regarded for the quality of his advice — so much so that when Harper became prime minister after the 2006 election, Novak went to work in the Prime Minister’s Office.

In 2008, he was slotted in as principal secretary, the number two job in the PMO. There, he handled the foreign affairs and defence files, as well as oversaw the prime minister’s communications and travels. After his appointment as chief of staff in 2013 — following Nigel Wright’s departure — he added the economic and financial files to his responsibilities.

As the longest serving member of prime minister’s inner circle, Novak is said to possess a solid understanding of Harper’s way of thinking. “He has no side agenda,” a former colleague has been quoted as saying. “He always puts the prime minister’s genuine interests first.”

“Ray is really good, and trusted,” said another. “He’s quiet and handles lots of tough issues. And, yes, he stays out of the limelight.”

The few media portraits of Novak available describe him as low profile, discreet, with a preference for behind-the-scenes work, and, most crucially, staying out of the headlines.

That, it seems, is no longer possible.

With files from The Canadian Press