People sometimes ask about my “grudge” with Stephen Harper. The fact is that I hold no grudge at all. My views simply reflect my first-hand experience in my former capacity as a premier of a province I love, in a country I love.

Having dealt with other former prime minsters, I was accustomed to disagreements and differing viewpoints. But I was also accustomed to working with leaders from all parties who demonstrated integrity, concern for the country and genuine intentions. Stephen Harper, by direct contrast, represents none of these things. Rather he is divisive and untrustworthy.

I concede that Harper is a master political strategist — in the worst possible way. His overriding strategy is to carve up the electorate, turning pockets of society into voting blocks with the sole goal of winning elections turning regions against one another, or writing provinces off altogether — as he did with Newfoundland and Labrador. Nation-building is not his thing. His leadership is built on divide and conquer. And Canadians deserve better.

This is a prime minster who has stubbornly refused for years to meet with premiers who have been elected to represent their provinces. In a federation such as ours this is incredibly short-sighted and insulting. The prime minister should be listening to and understanding the needs and concerns of all regions from coast to coast to coast.

As for his much-vaunted economic performance, recent studies raise some significant doubts; and based on 16 key indicators, his economic record is suggested to be the worst of any prime minster since the Second World War. This year our great country now lags behind 139 other countries that are growing faster than ours. When first elected, he was handed the keys to the kingdom with a robust economy, a large surplus and a solid fiscal foundation. His performance since has been dismal. He has overseen six budget deficits in eight years, grown our trade deficit more than any other prime minister, and when the world was in financial turmoil he was advising Canadians to invest. Canada is the only G7 country this year in recession.

His position on ethnic issues during this campaign amounts to nothing less than fear-mongering and divisive politics at its worst. His proposed hotline to report “barbaric cultural practices” is a glaring example of his politics of fear and division.

Harper also has a history of surrounding himself with (at best) questionable individuals. Some of the most prominent people appointed or hired by him have been investigated, charged or convicted of criminal activity. And the man, who is known as a control freak, develops a striking lack of insight when it comes to the activities of those who are closest to him. Denying knowledge of the Duffy scandal stretches credulity. Politics trumps democracy, the electoral process and respect for Parliament and its officers. Instead we get secrecy, suppression of evidence and muzzling of scientists.

Leaders should inspire. Leaders should unite. Leaders should make tough decisions for the right reasons; not any decision that buys a vote. Leaders should build bridges and create hope and optimism. Leaders should be trustworthy. They should be there for all segments of society — for veterans, for farmers, for immigrants, for our children, and for Aboriginal Peoples.

By contrast, my experience with Stephen Harper has been nothing but broken promises, backing out of commitments, lack of respect for voters, marginalizing those he sees as expendable, and a passion for staying in the prime minister’s chair that far exceeds his passion for the betterment of the people of Canada. Simply put, I don’t like Stephen Harper. Now, we don’t need to like our prime minister, but we darn well deserve to have one we can trust.

Danny Williams is a former premier of Newfoundland.

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