Stephen Harper a man of 'enormous integrity,' says Nenshi

Whether you liked his politics or not, Stephen Harper was a man of integrity who understood Alberta and the West, says CalgaryMayor Naheed Nenshi.

Nenshipaid tribute to the former prime minister Wednesday afterCBC News confirmed that Harperwill resign his seat as the MP for Calgary Heritage before the House of Commons session resumes this fall.

"His decade in power changed this country in immeasurable ways and you know whether you agreed or disagreed with his politics, Mr.Harper is a man of enormous integrity who has dedicated his entire life to public service and continues to do so," Nenshi said.

Harper has been sitting on the opposition side of the house since the Liberals defeated Harper's Conservatives in the October election.

"Iwish him the very best of luck," Nenshi said.

"Iunderstand he's thinking of offers in the private sector which will be a switch for someone who's dedicated his whole life to public service. But really, he's had an enormous impact and we're very proud as Calgarians that we had a prime minister for a decade who hailed from this city."

High demand for Harper's expertise, says former staffer

Harper's former chief of staff, Tom Flanagan,expects Harper's expertisewill be in demand, both on corporate boards and if he decides to set up his own foundation to work on international issues.

"Iwouldn't be surprisedto see him try and carry on thatwork if there are donors who want to fund him to do that," Flanagan said.

"He had survived for almost ten years[as prime minister]which made him kind of an elder statesmen, so Ithink he was quite respected in those forums," Flanagan said.

Flanagan says he expects Harper's biggest political legacy will be having held the line on government expenditures.