OTTAWA — Prime Minister Stephen Harper paid tribute Saturday to Ariel Sharon, describing the late Israeli leader as an “architect” of the Middle East nation he once staunchly defended. Harper, whose government has been a steadfast ally of Israel, quickly released a statement upon learning of the death of Sharon. “On behalf of all Canadians, Laureen and I offer our deepest condolences to the family and friends of former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and to the Israeli people,” he said. Harper praised Sharon for both aspects of his career in Israel — first as a general, and later as...