Laureen Teskey Harper was born in 1963 in
Growing up, she developed a lifelong passion for the outdoors and a concern for the proper care of animals. The Teskey home was always a safe refuge for stray pets and animals in need. As a teen, Laureen competed in barrel racing, and when she has the chance she still loves to ride horses and attend rodeo events. Laureen has long had a love for animals of all sizes. This didn’t end when her family moved to
Laureen graduated from
Before moving to
Married since 1993, Laureen and Stephen Harper have two energetic teenagers. Their son Benjamin was born in 1996, and their daughter Rachel in 1999. Laureen has a keen sense of adventure and enjoys accompanying her husband on official business at home and abroad. She also loves to take in the Canadian wilderness during summer camping and hiking excursions with friends.
Laureen is a generous volunteer and supporter of important community and national causes. Known for her work with the Ottawa Humane Society, she is also a strong advocate for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure, the Ottawa Regional Cancer Society, the Trans Canada Trail, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the