Revealing the Toronto Maple Leafs Most Famous Celebrity Fans

Stephen Harper

Politics is often partisan, but many federal politicians prefer not to share their affinity for a specific team so as to not alienate a fanbase or potentially lose votes. Stephen Harper, Canada’s 22nd Prime Minister, shared in that fear for some time.

Harper initially veiled his love for the Leafs. Carl Vallée, a spokesperson for the PM, was asked which team Harper prefers. The response was, “The Prime Minister cheers for all Canadian teams”. His representatives made clear that Harper’s favourite team was “Team Canada”.

The truth came out following the 2011 federal election. Harper was more forthcoming with his love for the Toronto Maple Leafs. It made sense. Harper grew up in Leaside, a Toronto neighbourhood. His passion for the game blossomed while living in the city. By the time he moved to Edmonton, Alberta to work for Imperial Oil, he was already a devoted fan of the Buds.

The Conservatives, with Harper at the helm, won the 2006 federal election. He held the office of Prime Minister for nearly a decade, from February 6, 2006, until November 4, 2015. He was preceded by Paul Martin, the politician, not the defenceman who played for the New Jersey Devils, Pittsburgh Penguins, and San Jose Sharks. When Harper finally left office, he was succeeded by the current PM, Justin Trudeau.

Harper would often attend Leafs games in Toronto while in office. If there were still questions about who he supported, they were put to rest in 2013. That’s when he released a book that made clear who he roots for at the rink. Harper penned, “A Great Game: The Forgotten Leafs & the Rise of Professional Hockey“, establishing himself as both a fan of the Leafs and as a hockey historian.