When first elected 20 years ago, the former prime minister wasted no time in implementing his agenda

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In the past 20 years, Canada has been governed by two economists: Stephen Harper and Mark Carney. Only one, however, managed to leverage his expertise for the good of Canada in his first eight months of government. 

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After so many years of national stagnation, it’s jarring to think back to 2006 and the rapid speed at which change was delivered. Harper won the election on Jan. 23 and formed government on Feb. 6. Legislative work began immediately and by May, there was already a budget to show Canadians exactly what Harper’s plan was for the country.

Budget 2006 included a plan to lower Canadian debt by $3 billion per year; the federal government would go on to pay down a whopping $14 billion the next year. It had managed to bring in a surplus — and had the wisdom to use it to lower the country’s interest charges.

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