canada - Stephen Harper - Twelve years of Liberal government ended when incumbent prime minister Paul Martin was defeated by Stephen Harper's opposition Conservatives in elections on 23 January 2006. Mr Harper failed to win an overall majority and has to work with opposition parties in order to govern. The Conservatives promised to cut taxes, fight crime, boost military spending and to repair relations with the US. Mr Harper denied harbouring a radical right-wing agenda, a charge levelled by some opponents. Observers say he has steered the Conservatives towards the political centre, switching the party's focus from social to economic matters.