The Premier Files: Mike Harris | The Premier Files

Video Description

Ontario's 22nd premier Mike Harris led the Progressive Conservatives to power in 1995, winning favour with his Common Sense Revolution proposals that called for tax and spending cuts. He's known for education reform and significant changes to the province's welfare system. The Ipperwash conflict, the Walkerton contaminated water tragedy also happened during his terms. His government's two-term leadership ended in 2002 when he stepped down, and new Tory leader Ernie Eves took office. 0:00 Intro 0:18 Mike Harris' Parents and Early Life 0:37 Becoming Ontario's 22nd Premier 0:58 Reflections on Returning to Queen's Park 1:25 Childhood and Family Background 2:17 Early Political Interests and Joining Conservatives 3:12 Admiration for Bill Davis 3:31 Family's Political Views 4:04 Lost Years and Depression 5:08 Becoming a Teacher and Trustee 6:13 Seeds of Education Reform 7:55 Decision to Run in 1981 Election 8:52 Recruitment by Alan Pope 9:42 Comparing Conservatism with Bill Davis 10:50 1981 Election Night Victory 11:19 Catholic School Funding Controversy 12:23 Bill Davis' Retirement Announcement 13:12 Sworn in as Minister of Natural Resources 14:36 1985 Hung Parliament and Aftermath 15:48 Leadership Run and Party Challenges 17:00 Disadvantages and Establishment Resistance 18:01 Winning Leadership and Party Struggles 19:13 1990 Election and Tax Fighter Campaign 20:47 Bob Rae's Victory and Harris' Role 21:13 Strategy to Break Liberal-NDP Cycle 22:45 1995 Election Strategy and Breakthrough 24:03 Origin of Common Sense Revolution 25:07 Signing Off on the Platform 26:09 Platform Development and Public Consultations 27:04 1995 Election Night Reflections 28:10 Decision to Floor It with Reforms 29:25 30% Income Tax Cut and Health Levy 31:03 Teacher Protests and Days of Action 32:37 Education Reform and Accountability 33:43 Ontario Hydro Reforms 36:29 Hospital Restructuring and Health Commission 39:12 Ipperwash Crisis and Dudley George 42:59 Premier's Responsibility and Reflection 43:25 1999 Election and Second Majority 44:38 Environmental Legacy and Lands for Life 46:54 Cultural Investments and Urban Impact 47:51 Highway 407 Sale and Toll Philosophy 49:38 Walkerton Tragedy and Water Safety 51:23 Considering a Third Term 52:01 Best Decisions as Premier 52:50 Worst Decisions and Mulligans 53:49 Legacy and Public Perception 55:01 Life Reflections and Final Thoughts About The Premier Files: This series features candid conversations with former Ontario premiers, spanning four decades of the province's political history. With Steve Paikin, they discuss their lives before, during, and after their time in politics, and they revisit the policies and events that defined their leadership. Featured are David Peterson (Liberal, 1985-1990); Bob Rae (NDP, 1990-1995); Mike Harris (Progressive Conservative, 1995-2002); Ernie Eves (Progressive Conservative, 2002-2003); Dalton McGuinty (Liberal, 2003-2013); Kathleen Wynne (Liberal, 2013-2018).