Michael Harcourt (born 1943) became British Columbia's 30th Premier in 1991, defeating the Rita Johnston-led Social Credit party in a provincial election. This marked the first time that the B.C. NDP had been in power since 1975. He resigned as premier in 1995 as the result of "Bingogate", in which NDP insiders used money raised by a charity bingo to fund the party. It was not believed that Harcourt had anything to do with the scandal, but he took responsibility for it. He was succeeded as Premier of B.C. by Glen Clark who also ended up resigning as the result of a scandal.
Harcourt's previous political experience included serving as a Vancouver Alderman (1972-1980) and as Mayor of Vancouver (1980-1986).
He was injured in a near fatal fall in November 2002 which resulted in a severe spinal-cord injury, from which he has since astonished doctors with a rapid recovery.
He was named as a special advisor to Prime Minister on cities on December 12, 2003.
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Preceded by: Rita Johnston |
List of British Columbia premiers |
Succeeded by: Glen Clark |