Michael Harcourt

Born in Edmonton on January 6, 1943, Michael F. Harcourt moved to Vancouver to study law at the University of British Columbia in 1963. In 1972 he was elected alderman from Vancouver City Council. He was re-elected in 1974,1976 and 1978. He was elected Mayor of Vancouver in 1980. He is credited with, among other things, Expo 86, a boom in investment and forging economic ties to Asia Pacific. In 1986 he was elected to the B.C. legislature and soon made leader of the New Democratic Party and leader of the Official Opposition. In 1991 he was elected premier of British Columbia. He served as the 30^th premier of B.C. until 1996. He continues to lead a very active public life and continues to work hard for Asia Pacific partnerships, sustainability and human rights.