Steven Harper Speaks To Canada As Prime Minister Following The Election

He thanks Calgary for their welcome.

Today Canada has voted, he indicates, to be a beacon of prosperity and growth. He thanks Canada for having voted him. He thanks all those volunteering on the Conservative campaign. He thanks Grandma Harper for taking care of the kids. He thanks the love of his life (awkward TV political kiss, but I think he was looking for more). He indicates the reach of the Conservative party has grown, and the Conservative party will deliver on their promises. He congratulates Dion for having contributed to Canadian political life on national unity and environmental issues, he thanks Layton for bringing to the table the issues of the working man, he thanks Duceppe and hopes that they can work together for the fiscal needs of Quebec. He further congratulates May for her participation in this election. He also congratulates the two independent members, as he states that it is not easy to run independently. He indicates that they have been given a strengthened mandate, and he will work to achieve their goals. Times are hard, and Canadians are worried. He wants to assure Canadians that working together we will emerge stronger than ever before.

Three priorities:

Govern on behalf of all Canadians – new caucus is very broad, government will form an inclusive and responsive government that will address the needs of all Canadians.

Make this minority government work – unite parties to work together in the financial crisis. Get past partisanship – this was echoed so hopefully they can make this work.

Keep promises: Harper will stick to his plan – the prudent, responsible plan that everybody keeps talking about.

He was on the ball tonight. He was actually getting excited as he was talking.