I don't think we actually disagree about much there. I think we both want the government to focus its agenda (and spending) on things that fall under the general heading of "law, order, and good government" rather than attempting alter the economy with spending or tax policies. We probably just have differing ideas of what constitutes "law, order, and good government".
The best which I can say about Harper was that he was a sort of unimaginative but competent accountant type who managed the books, paid the bills, and generally and capably kept the lights on and the economy running properly. Mind you, that's better than I can say about anyone else during my lifetime. Which is a sad indictment on the political class.
He did realize that the higher the taxes the more burden on people and businesses, for which I applaud him, but wasn't an idiot like American Republicans, cutting taxes so that they can't pay for necessary services and run up huge debt. He also tried, though not nearly bravely enough, to do something about the incessant delays for business caused by the bureaucracy, much of it duplicated between feds and provinces.
This is where Trudeau differs. Trudeau has no problem borrowing money unnecessarily, no thought for the danger that poses the future, and in order to placate his leftmost supporters and outflank the NDP, is piling on environmental regulations and taxes on top of regulations that seem to try to give every single small native tribe veto power over every resource or pipeline project in the country. The responsible development and transportation of resources is clearly in the national interest, no matter what anyone thinks or says or wants, and should be pushed through.
I mean, I'm all for environmental protection, but taking years and years of hearings and consultations and forms and meetings and wheedling with every small village, town or reserve anywhere within several hundred miles, paying them off one by one to get 'buy in' is simply causing companies to go elsewhere and take their investment and jobs with them.