Stephen Harper was all smiles during a recent meeting with China’s ambassador to Canada, and even posed for a photo with a copy of his hockey book, “A Great Game.”
The former prime minister met with Luo Zhaohui Wednesday on Parliament Hill, according to a post on a Chinese embassy webpage.
Luo was appointed to the diplomatic role in 2014.
Harper reportedly reminisced about the three official trips he made to China as prime minister and told Luo he hopes to have a continued role in developing relations between the two countries.
Luo, second from left, and Harper pose with advisers in Ottawa on Feb. 24, 2016. (Photo: Embassy of The People’s Republic of China in Canada)
The former prime minister has kept a relatively low profile since his Conservative government was swept from office by a surge of Liberal support in October’s election.
Harper’s office did not respond to The Huffington Post Canada’s request for comment before publication.
Since the new session of Parliament resumed sitting, Harper has voted in motions, but has yet to speak.
Ex-PM’s post-political career uncertain
Last week, The Hill Times reported that Harper, a current sitting MP for Calgary Heritage, is fielding several post-political job opportunities and will take up to seven months to decide on his future plans.
In the meantime, the former prime minister doesn’t seem too interested in shaking up the House by introducing any private member's bills of his own any time soon despite winning a relatively favourable position.
Harper clinched the 36th spot in December’s private members lottery — a draw that determines which MPs get to have their bills and motions debated in the House.
The top 30 slots are considered coveted spots for parties because of limited time set aside for private members’ bills.
For opposition parties, it’s the only avenue for member’s to introduce legislation. Conservative MP Ted Falk’s name was drawn first in the lottery.
As for Harper, a spokesperson from his office told HuffPost in January he “intends to give up his spot.”
Members who nabbed top lottery slots have until Feb. 26 to tell a subcommittee if they want to keep their scheduled time to introduce a bill or motion — or give it up.
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