This sub-series consists of the complete set of official photographs, in their original digital format, documenting Stephen J. Harper's activities as Leader of the Official Opposition from November 2005 to January 2006, and as Prime Minister of Canada from February 2006 to November 2015. These images provide a day-by-day photographic account of Stephen Harper's public and private life during that period.
The photographs illustrate the events attended by the Prime Minister during his mandate and show the different aspects of Stephen J. Harper's functions and life during that period. They include his participation in international and national events, in meetings with international, national, provincial, territorial and local leaders, as well as meetings with many VIPs, such as artists and athletes. The photographs also depict Stephen J. Harper in the House of Commons, in caucus meetings, and working with his ministers and staff. Political events, rallies, and most electoral campaigns were also captured by the official photographers and are part of these records. The photographs also document, to a certain extent, the lives of Laureen Harper and their children, Rachel and Ben, during that period.
The sub-series also shows Stephen J. Harper in some private moments. His love of music and of sports, hockey in particular, is well documented. He can be seen singing and playing the piano, playing hockey, going to concerts, doing personal research for his book on hockey, and watching hockey with family members and friends. The Harper family's love of animals and of their pets is also clearly illustrated throughout the sub-series.
At the end of every day, the official photographers would save the photographs taken that day and organize them by event. They would then erase the content of their cameras' memory cards so they would be ready for the next day. During Stephen J. Harper's tenure, between 30 and 60 events were captured on average each month, representing between 8000 and 15,000 images.
See lower levels for detailed titles and descriptions of each event.