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Harper made the comments in an interview with the Citizen as voters prepare to make up their minds about whether he should be re-elected for a fourth straight mandate as Conservative prime minister.

He spoke on the economic risks he says are inherent in electing either the Liberals or New Democrats; the continued threat to Canadians from jihadi terrorists; and the political instability that could come from a minority Parliament.

Harper said he thinks he can win the election and will accept whatever “mandate” he is given. But he added, “Obviously I believe to ensure stability, to ensure an agenda of lower taxes, balanced budget and spending that is actually effective and goes into people’s pockets, I think a majority Conservative government is the way to make that a certainty. I think anything else puts that at risk.”

Harper stressed that political change comes at a cost to voters who, he said, would see their taxes go up and their standard of living deteriorate under his opponents.

After a decade in office, Harper is facing off against two rivals, Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau and NDP Leader Tom Mulcair, who are hoping to tap into a desire for change among voters.

In the interview, Harper was reminded that prime ministers such as Brian Mulroney and Jean Chrétien retired by the 10-year mark and that one who chose to run beyond that benchmark, Pierre Trudeau, was defeated in a 1979 election.

Harper said he chose to run again because he loves the job he has held since 2006. “My party certainly wants me to keep doing it. And I believe the voters do, too.