First elected as a BC Liberal MLA for riding of Burquitlam in 2001 and subsequently re-elected in 2005, Harry served on the Government Caucus Committee for Education, and three parliamentary Select Standing Committees, including Crown Corporations (where Harry served as Deputy Chair), Parliamentary Reform, Ethical Conduct, Standing Order and Private Bills, and Legislative Initiatives. He was also a member of the Special Committee to Review the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act as well as the caucus liaison for the Ministry of Skills, Development and Labour. Harry has also served on the Public Accounts and Finance and Government Services Committees.
Prior to being elected to the Legislature, Harry was the President of a local telecommunications company. Educated at Ryerson Polytechnical Institute in Toronto, earning a diploma in marketing, he worked as a systems analyst before moving into retail. Starting as a district manager, he became national marketing manager for a countrywide retail chain. In 1979 Harry and his brother opened the first in a series of convenience stores and, over the next 12 years, developed, operated and expanded the chain before selling the business. Since the early 1990's, Harry was involved in the distribution of dairy products and in an executive office leasing company.
Throughout his life, Harry has believed in the importance of volunteering. He served on the board of directors and was a founding member of the Burnaby Optimist Club. Harry also volunteers as a member of the Regional Council of Scouts Canada-Burnaby Region.
Harry's extensive community involvement in the riding dates back to 1979 and has included Burquitlam Community Association, Burnaby Mountain Mantas Summer Swim Club (of which he was a founding member), former President of the Burnaby Arts Council, Burnaby Minor Lacrosse, District Parent Advisory Council and the Parent Advisory Council for his children's elementary school. He has also volunteered for many events and projects including the Healthy Heart Fun Run and Walk, Mothers March of Dimes, and the BC Summer Games.
Born in 1946 in Sudbury, Ontario, Harry and his wife Anita married in 1977 and have lived in the constituency since 1978 and are parents to Jeremy and Katie. Harry enjoys walking, photography, volunteering and gardening.
