Harris Mike

Mike Harris (Michael Deane Harris)

Public profile data for Mike Harris, a Canadian politician born in Toronto on January 24, 1945. This profile focuses on widely documented, verifiable information about his public life.

Basic facts

• Full name: Michael Deane Harris
• Birth date: January 24, 1945
• Birthplace: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
• Political party: Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario
• Major office: 22nd Premier of Ontario (1995–2002)
• Member of Provincial Parliament for Nipissing (1990–2002)

Political career

Harris led the Progressive Conservative government from 1995 to 2002. His tenure is associated with the "Common Sense Revolution," a platform advocating fiscal restraint, tax reform, and modernization of public services. His government introduced wide-ranging reforms across health care, education funding, social assistance, and government structure. He was first elected as premier after PC victories in the 1995 provincial election and later re-elected in 1999 before stepping down in 2002, with Ernie Eves succeeding him as premier.

Legacy

Harris's premiership is considered transformative in Ontario politics, driving a shift toward market-oriented reforms and reduced public spending. Public opinion remains divided, with supporters crediting fiscal discipline and critics arguing for greater social program protections.

Post-political life and public presence

Since leaving office, Harris has conducted public speaking and served in various non-elected public life roles. Publicly documented information about current projects or social media activity is limited; there is no widely recognized official social media profile publicly attributed to him.

News highlights (historical)

• 1995: The Progressive Conservatives won Ontario's general election; Mike Harris became premier.
• 1999: Harris-led government re-elected, continuing its reform agenda.
• Early 2000s: Transition of power to Ernie Eves in 2002 after Harris's resignation as premier.