Mike Harcourt

Mike Harcourt, Former Premier of British Columbia, helped the province earn its reputation as one of the most liveable places in the world. His focus on conservation and sustainable development – and his resolve to contribute to the transformation of cities and communities has played a significant role in promoting quality of life for those in Canada and abroad. Mike Harcourt brings his experience and enthusiasm to the stage when speaking on the importance of creating vibrant, sustainable cities and communities.  +

After stepping down from politics ― having acted as both the premier of British Columbia and the mayor of Vancouver ― Harcourt was appointed by the Prime Minister to serve as a member of the National Round Table on the Environment and Economy. There, he served on the Executive Committee and Chaired the Urban Sustainability Program. He was also a federally appointed BC Treaty Commissioner and was Chair of the Prime Minister’s Advisory Committee for Cities and Communities.

Harcourt is currently chair of the Advisory Board for the University of British Columbia’s Centre for Interactive Research on Sustainability. In addition to acting as Chairman of Quality Urban Energy Systems for Tomorrow, he chairs the Canadian Electricity Association’s Sustainable Electricity Program Advisory Panel and is the lead faculty in The United Way’s Public Policy Institute.

In 2014, became a member of Canada’s ECOFISCAL Commission, and AGE-WELL Board chair, for the national research and training network of university, industry and public sector partners aimed at helping older Canadians to maintain their independence, health and quality of life.

Harcourt’s exemplary career as a lawyer, community activist, and politician has been honoured with the Woodrow Wilson Award for Public Service; Canadian Urban institute’s Jane Jacobs Lifetime Achievement Award; and the Order of Canada.  --

Sustainable Cities: Urban Tidal Wave
The issue population growth, 50% of our planet’s population live in cities. There is economic opportunity there:  if we can get our cities and communities right, then we go a long way towards addressing our global sustainability challenges.

Communities as Resilient Places
Communities are the key to long term prosperity. This presentation outlines the importance of building communities with long term vision, with consideration to the   environment, economic, social and cultural impact.

Environmental Stability
Harcourt shares his vision for protecting the environment at the continental level. Through real-world examples and ideas, he'll motivate listeners to do just that.

Plan B: Attitude for Life
Partially paralysed after a fall, doctors weren't sure if Harcourt would recover. Thus began Harcourt's Plan B: hear about the courage and the determination of the human spirit as he relives his journey from tragedy to triumph.

It’s About Sustaining Our Cities and Communities
Where we’re headed – sustainable cities and communities:

• To create more compact development, denser, mixed use buildings and urban centres;
• Re-energize inner cities, re-invent suburbia;
• Create alternatives to the internal combustion engine car, walking, cycling, transit, zero-emission car;
• Integrate new energy approaches into green infrastructure, water, wastewater, waste management systems;
• Innovation, entrepreneurship, investment opportunities.

Additional Topics

• Energy issues
• Environment
• Health & Wellness (AGE-WELL)
• Motivation/inspiration
• Politics
• Urbanism

Moderating and Hosting
Mike Harcourt's extensive experience and knowledge also make him an excellent option for Moderating and Hosting various events.

Mike Harcourt is represented by K&M Productions. For more information, Mike Harcourt's speaking schedule, fees & booking Mike Harcourt, contact us. (SERIOUS, booking-related inquiries, only.)