Canadians are fortunate in the human quality of the prime minister currently in office. He is a conservative by nature, a humanist by nature as well. A man of great personal integrity and outstanding social values. For some he is a greatly admired figure. For many others who are suspicious of his motivations and his plans for the future of the country, he is more controversial.

ctvnews.Roland Paris

Many despise Prime Minister Stephen Harper; certainly unionists do, and most certainly he is regarded with disdain by academics and intellectuals of a liberal persuasion. But he is governing responsibly, a meld of conservatism and liberalism. In itself a reflection of the political makeup of the entire country.

There are some areas in which it is not difficult to disagree with him; a diminution of funding for critical areas like science and the environment, for example. Where any forward-looking country would wish to advance critical areas of scientific discovery. And where Mr. Harper's administration has seen fit to cut funding to pure science, and focus through government auspices on practical science meant to benefit commerce and industry. Its practical face is employment, production and trade.

Though he is scorned by many for his lack of empathy for others, that perception lacks depth. He is a man who demonstrates his concerns for humanity, for Canadians, for ordinary people in a firm and quietly resolute manner. He is a reserved individual not prone to easy socializing and it is this reserve in his personality that seems unattractive to onlookers.

Whereas other people who are themselves naturally reserved, more given to introspection and inhibited social displays, introvert by nature rather than extrovert, can see what he represents and respect him for it. His wish is to be of service to the public weal. And despite his critics and some legitimate criticisms, he has proven himself more than capable of doing justice to his position, guiding Canada into the future and embellishing the present with his common-sense attributes.

Canadians love their country and have assured reason to trust the Right Honourable Stephen Harper to make decisions through his office that reflects well on the country and augurs well for its well-being in every sphere of life.

CBC News, Canada