A Full-Circle Moment: Why Canada is Always Worth Fighting For
By Damien C. Kurek
A couple of weeks ago I found myself in Ottawa reflecting on how quickly two decades can pass. I was there to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the 2006 Conservative election victory, an event that coincided with the special unveiling of former Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s official portrait on Parliament Hill.
Being in that room and listening to Mr. Harper speak was a profound, full-circle moment for me.
Twenty years ago I was just a high school student from rural Alberta. Through a Lions Club sponsored Encounters with Canada youth exchange, I travelled to Ottawa and had the incredible opportunity to meet the newly elected Prime Minister. That experience, that handshake, and connecting with my eventual Parliamentary predecessor, Kevin Sorenson, helped kickstart my political journey. It lit a fire in me… a lifelong passion for public service and a deep love for this country.
A full-circle moment: Twenty years ago, as a high school student on an Encounters with Canada youth exchange, I met newly elected Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Recently, I had the honour of reconnecting with him in Ottawa as we celebrated the 20th anniversary of his historic 2006 election victory, noting nearly 20 years having passed between the two pictures.
Looking back at the picture of that teenager, side-by-side with a photo of Mr. Harper and me from a few weeks ago, is a humbling reminder of the journey so far: from a high school kid wanting to make a difference, to Danielle, myself, and our family having the profound privilege of working for the amazing people of Battle River-Crowfoot.
At the anniversary gala, Mr. Harper delivered a speech that I believe all we Canadians need to hear. In a time of global uncertainty and economic hardship at home, he spoke about the absolute necessity of preserving our national unity, defending our independence, and the principles of freedom and prosperity that have been diminished in the decade since he left office. He reminded us that Canada is a tremendous gift, a country built by the grit and sacrifice of our ancestors, and that we must make any sacrifice necessary to preserve it for our descendants.
It is easy, especially after the struggles of the last several years, to feel discouraged. Many families in our communities are finding it harder just to get by. But Mr. Harper’s message was a powerful reminder of why we cannot give up hope for Canada. This country is worth fighting for because of the people who call it home: the hard-working, resilient Canadians who build our communities, grow our food, and drive our economy. The Conservative principles of strong communities, freedom, family, and hard work that inspired me back then are the exact same ones I am fighting for today. Seeing so many of the people who helped bring a decade of good governance to Canada was incredibly inspiring.
More importantly, it served as a hopeful message for Pierre Poilievre and our united Conservative team. We know that "True North Strong and Free" cannot just be a motto. We are ready to keep fighting for a better Canada, armed with a pragmatic vision built on common sense.
Canada’s best days are not just in our past. With the right leadership and a renewed commitment to our founding values, we can ensure our future is even brighter.
Damien Kurek is the former Member of Parliament for Battle River-Crowfoot and the nominated Conservative Party of Canada (CPC) candidate for the next federal election.