As the federal election draws ever nearer, more cities are signing on to sing the now infamous “Harperman” song.
The Harperman song is meant to be the Prime Minister’s farewell song, just like Canadian tradition of singing a farewell song to the losing opponents of a hockey game.
The Harperman song project was created and composed by Ottawa folk singer Tony Turner.
Turner apparently got his inspiration from an article in a social justice newsletter, and added to the article to create a toe-tapping participation song of protest.
There is even a Harperman video challenge where they will add your video to the official Harperman website.
The whole Harperman song took Canadians by surprise as voters who already knew that they were not going to vote for Stephen Harper struggled to find a way to express this singular message above and beyond specific party politics.
The Harperman ballad was first posted to the web on June 22, 2015.
The song did not have an easy birth. As soon as Turner first began performing the song, his job was in jeopardy.
You see, at the time, Turner was a scientist employed by the federal government.
When the political folk song started to rack up the hits on Youtube and was passed around social media, he was put on leave as his actions were being investigated as a violation to the 2012 value and ethic code of his job as a federal employee.
Turner stepped down from his post after he was told he would be placed on leave as government officials investigated the case. He officially stepped down on October 2, 2015.
“I have always believed I acted within my rights under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and that I was not in a conflict of interest with the department’s values and ethics code,” said Turner, whose notice to retire took effect yesterday. “I have always maintained impartiality and objectivity in the conduct of my duties.”
“That said,” added Turner, “when Environment Canada suspended me earlier this summer, I was assured a quick investigation and decision. That has not happened, and I have decided it better to retire and continue to express my views as all Canadian citizens are entitled to do.”
At a Green Party campaign rally in Vancouver, B.C., explained the reasoning behind his resignation, stating, “No one wants to be sidelined.”
According to the Harperman website,
“the Cross-Canada Harperman Sing-Along is now renamed the Harperman Farewell Sing-a-long. That’s because the final sing-a-long event will be on Parliament Hill the day before the election — on Sunday, October 18 at 2 p.m.
“Unlike the original September 17 sing-along, Tony Turner will be leading the October 18 sing-along. Come along and enjoy the high from getting together and singing for political change. It will be a fun and festive way to celebrate the end of the federal election.”
Tony Turner will be performing and leading a sing-along of Harperman on Parliament Hill on Sunday, October 18 at 2 p.m., the day before the October 19 federal election.
And of course, here are the lyrics and the Youtube clip to hear the lyrics and tune. (I just want to say that Turner has the most awesome friends who join him in this video.)
The video was recorded in a live session on June 12, 2015, and features Tony Turner on guitar and lead vocal, with Ann Downey on upright bass.
To download or simply view the lyric sheet, please click on this link.
As for the important bit — and I’ll be updating this site when I find out about more Harperman sing-a-long locations, but here’s a start.
GUELPH, On:
Wednesday October 14, 2015 at 12:00 noon
Old Quebec St. Mall.
AND
Friday October 16, 2015 at 6:30 p.m.
Old Quebec St. Mall.
***
Peterborough, On:
Friday October 16 ,2015, at 10:00 am
Across the Street from the Farmer’s Market.
***
LONDON, ON CANCELLED due to snow squalls
Saturday October 17, 2015, at 10:00 a.m.
99 King Street, King St. and Talbot St, London.
***
TORONTO, ON
Saturday October 17, 2015 at 12:00 p.m. noon
Old City Hall / Nathan Phillips Square
***
LANGLEY, B.C.
Saturday October 17, 2015 at 12:00 noon
20550 Douglas Crescent, Langley, B.C., Canada
***
NELSON, B.C.:
Saturday October 17, 2015 at 12:00 p.m.
Cottonwood Market
***
VANCOUVER:
Saturday October 17, 2015 at 12:00 p.m.
Vancouver Art Gallery Lawn
***
HALIFAX:
Sunday, October 18, 2015, at 2:00 p.m.
Halifax Central Library Plaza (outside in front)
***
OTTAWA:
Sunday October 18, 2015, at 2:30 p.m.
Parliament Hill
***
TORONTO:
Sunday October 18, 2015 at 2:00 p.m.
City Hall / Nathan Phillips Square
***
VANCOUVER:
Sunday October 18, 2015 at 2:00 p.m.
Vancouver Art Gallery lawn
More TBA:
**If you know of a Harperman sing-a-long happening in your neck of the woods, please let me know @krystalline_k
Thank you and Miigwetch
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