In his first press conference as prime minister-designate, Stephen Harper wasted no time dismissing earlier suggestions that he would stop at nothing to cozy-up to the U.S. once elected.

Without having been questioned on the issue, Harper turned his sights on comments made Wednesday by the U.S. ambassador to Canada, David Wilkins.

The ambassador was critical of Harper's plan to bolster military presence in the north and assert Canada's sovereignty over the Arctic. Wilkins also pointed out that the U.S. doesn't recognize Canada's claim to the Northwest Passage.

Harper had little time for Wilkins' position.

During the campaign, Harper's critics warned he would waste no time bringing Canada closer to the U.S. if he were elected, but his comments instead seem to demonstrate a staunch nationalist position.

"I've been very clear in the campaign that we have significant plans for national defence and for defence of our sovereignty, including Arctic sovereignty," Harper said. "It is the Canadian people we get our mandate from, not the U.S. ambassador.''

• Transcript of news conference

Wilkins later issued a statement saying he meant no offense by the comments, and was only reiterating a long-standing U.S. position. He also offered his congratulations to Harper in the letter.

During the press conference Harper appeared comfortable and poised in his new role, answering more than 20 questions in 15 minutes.

His comments on same-sex marriage seemed to suggest the issue will be revisited soon.

"I would prefer to do it sooner rather than later but not immediately," Harper said.

He chose his words carefully when asked whether Canada would recognize the newly elected Hamas government in Palestinian territories.

"We've always maintained that we support a secure Israel and a democratic Palestine, but for any nation to be truly democratic, that nation must renounce any use of terrorism," he said.

Harper continued to hold off on releasing any details about the cabinet he is in the process of designing, but did say that he has tough choices to make and undoubtedly, people will be disappointed.

Harper said his first priority upon taking office would be to clean up government through his proposed federal accountability act.

Harper said he will immediately put into action those promises he made during the election campaign.

He said he will also work to implement his proposals to lower taxes beginning with the GST, address the fiscal imbalance between Ottawa and the provinces, and establish wait time standards in health care.

When it comes to Canada-U.S. relations, Harper said he will remain accountable, first and foremost, to the mandate given to him by Canadians.

Swearing-in

Harper also announced the date he will be sworn in as Canada's 22nd prime minister: Monday, February 6.

On top of spending the past few days consulting with his transition team, Harper said he's been busy speaking with the premiers, as well as world leaders such as U.S. President George Bush, British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Mexican President Vicente Fox and Australian Prime Minister John Howard.

Harper made his first official visit Thursday morning to Rideau Hall, the Governor General's official residence, to kickstart the process of forming a new government.

Until the day of he officially takes power, Harper continues to work with his transition team. He's figuring out his cabinet choices, planning policy initiatives, and writing legislation to be introduced.

Harper is also considering who to name as his ambassador to Washington after Frank McKenna -- now a prospective Liberal leadership candidate -- resigned on Wednesday.