Former Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced that he will be stepping down from his role of MP for Calgary Heritage on Friday, August 26th.

In a video statement released online, Harper thanked voters for their support in a career that spanned over two decades.

"For a total of nearly eighteen years, I have had the tremendous honour of representing Calgary in the Parliament of Canada. On seven occasions, I have been deeply humbled by your trust and support, time and again. And I leave elected office proud of what our team accomplished together." said Harper.

 Banff-Airdrie MP Blake Richards has a long history with Harper, having first met during the early 90's. Eventually, Richards would work alongside Harper as a member of his caucus.

"He served our country as Prime Minister Stephen Harper for a decade, and I think he's got a lot to be proud of," said Richards. "In terms of the record that he leaves, and the state he left our economy in, he's got a lot to be proud of, and I think he deserves that chance to move on to the next chapter in his life, and I think he will be successful with his future."

Harper made the decision at the end of last fall's election campaign, that he would stay on as an MP regardless of the election results.

The decision to remain an MP was something Harper felt strongly about, having disapproved PC leader Jim Prentice giving up his seat after losing to the NDP in last year's provincial election.

"As I bid farewell to the Parliament of Canada, and prepare for the next chapter of my life, my eternal thanks to the constituents of Calgary Heritage, to the members of the Conservative Party, and to all Canadians for having given me the honour of serving the best country in the world." said Harper.