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Canadian conservatives were pleased to see 2015 come to an end. The year was marked by a disappointing election result and closed with the fawning reception of our new, young prime minister.

But time and distance brings fresh perspective, especially today, on the 10-year anniversary of the modern Conservative Party of Canada’s‎ first electoral win. Canadian conservatives have a solid foundation from which to build for the future. And for this we are indebted to the intellectual and political legacy of Stephen Harper.

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His first electoral victory 10 years ago was far from a foregone conclusion. It required a positive vision and plan of action and Mr. Harper offered both. In so doing, he became the most important conservative in modern Canadian political history. His is not only a legacy that all conservatives can be proud of, but also a strong basis from which to continue the march.

Mr. Harper was a conservative thinker and activist before he became a politician. He was sworn into office in February 2006 with a clear sense of what he believed and what he wanted to accomplish. One of the distinguishing features of Mr. Harper’s prime ministership was his consistency in thought and action. This was a leader who knew what he believed.