In 2006, Harper was sued for wrongful dismissal by his former chef, who claimed the prime minister never paid him for additional duties that included babysitting, washing the family car and burying one of Harper’s pet cats.
Henrik Lundsgaard, who was employed at Stornoway — residence of the official Opposition leader — for over four years, was seeking $250,000 in lost wages and emotional damage. He alleged Harper and his wife, Laureen Harper, led him to believe he would become the head chef at 24 Sussex Drive if the Conservatives came to power. Instead, he was served with a letter of dismissal on Jan. 23, 2006 the day of Harper’s election victory.