Biography of Jim Harris

He began his schooling in French, attending Lakefield College (the very school Prince Andrew attended on his Canadian exchange) and Queen’s University, where he studied English and political science.Upon graduating, Jim set out to travel around the world. He sailed from England to Australia on a fleet of tall ships re-enacting the first voyage of British convicts to Australia. It was at this time that Jim rescued an infant from drowning. The ships were docked when Jim heard a splash – a one-and-a-half year-old child had fallen in the water between the boat and the dock. Instinctively, he jumped in the water and saved the baby’s life.

Once back in Canada, Jim started working for the Financial Post, where he co-authored The 100 Best Companies to work for in Canada (a national best seller). His second book, The Learning Paradox, was nominated for the National Business Book Award in Canada, and is ranked as one of the top ten business books in all of North America. Following the recent success of Blindsided, Jim is writing a new book aptly named Going Green. Jim met the love of his life through mutual friends in 1998. After a two-and-a-half week courtship they decided it was meant to be, and have been together ever since. These days, his relentless schedule does not allow for much leisure time, which is why Jim’s notion of an ideal holiday is staying at home taking it easy with his wife.In his personal life, Jim is an avid rollerblader who enjoys Indian cuisine and the soothing vocals of Diana Krall. Jim considers himself to be a spiritual person who is powerfully drawn to the wisdom of numerous religions.

Jim is a passionate and committed environmentalist who has been an active member of the Green Party for over 17 years. Since 1990, he has run as a candidate in municipal, provincial, and federal elections in his ongoing efforts to raise environmental awareness. Jim was elected leader of the Green Party of Canada in 2003 and led the party through its most successful election ever, winning nearly 600,000 votes - almost six times the results for 2000.

Politically, Jim’s shift to ecological conservative was motivated by the need to create a positive future for future generations. In the short time that he has been leader, the Green Party has gone from relative obscurity to becoming a major player on the political landscape. The staggering success of the 2004 election campaign marked a significant point in the party’s evolution, and it’s why he believes Canadians will soon elect Green candidates to Parliament.The Green Party is polling as high as 10%, according to Strategic Counsel.