Stephen Harper

Stephen Harper became the Prime Minister of Canada in 2006. The first prime minister from any conservative party since 1993, Harper increased military spending and cut taxes. A member of the Christian and Missionary Alliance, Harper is an evangelical Christian. He campaigned on a promise to stage another vote on the controversial bill that made Canada the fourth country to accept same-sex marriage, but ultimately parliament voted not to re-open the debate and maintain the decision to legalize same-sex marriage. Harper has been outspoken in his support for Israel, earning recognition from the several Jewish organizations. Breaking with past Canadian political tradition, he often adds "God bless Canada" to the end of his speeches.