ALTChrétien and Harper at the Royal Canadian Geographical Society
I am delighted that the Royal Canadian Geographical Society was able to host a conversation between former prime ministers Jean Chrétien and Stephen Harper at our headquarters.
Partisanship is an indispensable part of our democratic system. Yet, taken to extremes, it can also poison national debate and polarise society.
For all their political and social differences, Chrétien and Harper clearly share a mutual respect and love of country.
They showed that we can disagree with one another, without despising each other.
Harper’s laugh in this image came in response to Chrétien offering him a “Shawinigan handshake”.