Jack Harris, leader of the New Democratic Party

Jack Harris spent nine long and lonely years as the lone voice for the New Democratic Party in the Newfoundland legislature before leading the party to its best showing ever in the 1999 general election.

When all the ballots were counted, the NDP emerged with two seats.

Harris has always been realistic going into elections, acknowledging the party has no chance of forming the government or even the Official Opposition.

Rather, Harris, a lawyer, campaigns on a platform of raising the level of debate by bringing a social conscience to the legislature. He fought for lunch programs in schools, a bread and butter issue that enables children to learn on full stomachs and reduce child poverty. His is a platform of meat and potatoes issues -- health, education and a better deal for children, seniors and the poor.

Harris has always resonated in the district of Signal Hill-Quidi Vidi, where his re-election hasn't been an issue. His personal popularity is greater than that of the party.

The Liberals tried unsuccessfully to take him down in the 1999 election, recruiting high-profile actor Pete Soucy to run against him in an offering to the downtown arts community. Harris retained the seat by 169 votes.

Harris was born in St. John's on Oct. 27, 1948 and raised on Parade Street. His given name is John, but he's always been called Jack.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts from Memorial University, Harris worked briefly as a journalist for CBC television and radio before going into law. His academic ability was acknowledged with the Law Society of Alberta Viscount Bennett Scholarship and the Rothermere Fellowship for Graduate Studies in the United Kingdom.

Harris and Conservative Leader Danny Williams weren't always on opposing sides. For nearly 16 years, the two were partners in the law firm, Williams, Harris, Roebothan & McKay.

In 1992, at age 43, Harris married Ann Martin. Their first child was born two years later.

Harris started his own law practice in 1997, the year his second daughter was born. He continues to practice law, despite being MHA and leader.

The couple's third child, a boy named John after his father, was born in 2000.

Since becoming a caucus of two with the election of Randy Collins in Labrador West in 1999, the NDP now has a greater voice in the House of Assembly. Although the NDP doesn't have the three seats required for official party status, the two-member caucus has been given the right to question government during the daily Question Period -- something Harris couldn't do as a caucus of one.

Media:
Sept.24, 2003, NDP leader Jack Harris speaks with Canada Now's Doug Letto and CBC Radio's David Cochrane about the impending election (runs 8:38).

May 28, 2003, Jane Adey reports on why the NDP thinks it's better prepared for this election. (runs 1:57).

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