Change is in the air as the dust starts to settle from last week's federal election.

While Conservative MP John Barlow is thrilled to be serving the Foothills riding again, he's also reflecting on his time spent in the House of Commons with Stephen Harper.

After last week's federal election results, Harper announced he would be stepping down as leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, but staying on as the elected MP for the Calgary-Heritage riding.

Barlow says he's happy to see Harper stay involved.

"It's a decision that he had made to step down as leader, but I think it's important he stays on as a member of parliament," he says. "He was elected by his constituents [last] Monday and that's a responsibility he wants to take on, plus he'll be a good mentor for the next leader moving forward. You don't want to lose the experience and knowledge that he has."

John Walsh, president of the Conservative Party of Canada, said in a statement last week that Harper had officially resigned as the party leader and the search had begun in choosing an interim leader as well as the leadership selection process.

Barlow says this process is something that shouldn't be rushed.

"This is a chance for our party to look at renewal, rebuilding, a new vision, but also a change in the tone of what we put through in this campaign," he says. "I think that was a big difference. Canadians were looking at something they could relate to on an emotional level, not necessarily always on a policy level. I think this is a chance for us to find a dynamic, vibrant, new leader."

Barlow says it was great to be on Parliament Hill under Harper's leadership and hopes he's remembered as a great leader.

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