Stephen Harper the consultant: Former PM creates new company

Stephen Harper may still be a member of Parliament, but the former prime minister has already taken steps to launch a new career.

According to documents filed with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, Harper has created his own corporation.

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Called "Harper & Associates Consulting Inc.," the paperwork was officially filed with the government in late December of 2015, two months after his party's election defeat and his resignation as leader.

Harper is listed as a director, along with former PMO staffers Ray Novak and Jeremy Hunt.

Novak once served as Harper's chief of staff, and has remained one of his closest advisers. Novak's name came up repeatedly during the 2015 election campaign, as reporters asked the Conservative leaderabout Novak's knowledge of theMike Duffy senate expense scandal following testimony at Duffy's trial.

Hunt is also one of Harper's long-time confidants, holding several different roles within the former prime minister's office.

Harper is expected to resign from political life by the fall. He will be honoured tonight in Vancouver, during the openingof the Conservative party convention.

Although Harper is not expected to address his future in detail this evening, his short speech will likely touch upon free trade, which he hopes will become his political legacy.