Mike Harris, Canadian politician, 22nd Premier of Ontario

Michael Deane Harris, born on January 23, 1945, is a distinguished Canadian politician who served as the 22nd Premier of Ontario from 1995 to 2002. Concurrently, he led the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario (often referred to as the PC Party) from 1990 until his retirement from politics in 2002. His tenure as party leader marked a significant ideological shift within the Ontario PC Party, moving it decisively towards what is often described as "Blue Toryism" – a political philosophy characterized by strong fiscal conservatism, advocating for reduced government spending, lower taxes, and a more market-oriented approach to public services.

Early Life and Path to Politics

Born in Toronto, Mike Harris spent his formative years growing up in North Bay, a city in Northeastern Ontario. Before embarking on his political career, he held various roles, including working as a ski instructor and a schoolteacher. His initial foray into public service began in 1974 when he was elected as a school board trustee, gaining valuable experience in local governance and public administration. In 1981, Harris successfully transitioned into provincial politics, winning election as a Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for the riding of Nipissing. An MPP represents a specific geographical constituency in the Ontario Legislative Assembly, similar to a Member of Parliament at the federal level.

Ascension to Leadership and Premiership

Harris's leadership trajectory within the Progressive Conservative Party began in 1990 when he was elected as the party leader during a leadership election. Later that year, a provincial election was called. While Harris managed to secure a modest increase in support for the PCs, the party ultimately remained in third place in the Ontario Legislature. However, his perseverance paid off five years later. In the 1995 provincial election, Harris orchestrated a remarkable political comeback, leading the Progressive Conservatives to a sweeping victory and forming a strong majority government, ending a decade of Liberal and NDP rule. He solidified his mandate in the 1999 provincial election, once again leading the party to a second consecutive majority government, a notable achievement in Ontario politics.

The "Common Sense Revolution"

At the core of Harris's premiership was the implementation of his signature policy platform, the "Common Sense Revolution." This ambitious program aimed to fundamentally reshape Ontario's public finances and services. Its central tenets included aggressive deficit reduction, significant cuts to government spending, and broad-based tax reductions. While the policy of lower taxes initially contributed to a widening of the provincial deficit, the extensive and deep cuts implemented across various sectors of public service proved instrumental in achieving the government's fiscal goals. By 1999, the Harris government successfully eliminated the provincial deficit and achieved a balanced budget. These budgetary cuts significantly impacted social services, healthcare funding, education, and infrastructure spending across the province.

Significant Events and Controversies

During his tenure as Premier, the Harris government faced several significant challenges and controversies that garnered considerable public and media attention:

Retirement and Post-Political Career

In the spring of 2002, Mike Harris announced his retirement from provincial politics, concluding an impactful and often debated career. Since leaving public office, Harris has transitioned into the private sector. He currently serves as the Chair of the Board for Chartwell Retirement Residences, one of Canada's largest operators of senior living communities, including independent living, assisted living, and long-term care facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mike Harris

Who is Mike Harris?
Mike Harris is a retired Canadian politician who served as the 22nd Premier of Ontario from 1995 to 2002 and was the leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario from 1990 to 2002.
What was the "Common Sense Revolution"?
The "Common Sense Revolution" was the core policy platform of Mike Harris's government in Ontario. It advocated for significant deficit reduction, lower personal income taxes, and deep cuts to government spending across public services like healthcare, education, social services, and infrastructure.
When did Mike Harris balance Ontario's budget?
After implementing significant spending cuts, the Mike Harris government successfully eliminated Ontario's budget deficit and achieved a balanced budget in 1999, despite earlier tax cuts contributing to a widening deficit.
What major controversies occurred during Mike Harris's premiership?
Key controversies during his time as Premier included the 1997 Ontario teachers' strike over education reforms, the tragic 2000 Walkerton E. coli outbreak, and the 1995 Ipperwash Crisis involving a fatal shooting during an Indigenous land dispute.
What does Mike Harris do now?
After retiring from politics in 2002, Mike Harris entered the private sector. He currently serves as the Chair of the Board for Chartwell Retirement Residences.