Hu Harries

Who was Hu Harries?

Hu Harries was a Canadian economist and politician.

Born in Strathmore, Alberta, he received a Bachelor of Science in agriculture from the University of Alberta in 1945. He also received a Master’s degree in political science from the University of Toronto and a Doctorate in economics from Iowa State University. His area of expertise related to the oil industry and transportation.

From 1958 to 1960, he was the Director of the School of Commerce in the Faculty of Arts and Science at the University of Alberta. From 1960 to 1968, he was the first Dean of the new Faculty of Commerce. As well, he ran his own economic consultants firm, Hu Harries and Associates Ltd. He was a consultant with the World Bank and worked with the governments of Alberta, Manitoba and British Columbia. He also operated a vineyard; had three ranches in Alberta and British Columbia where he raised pure-bred black angus cattle; ran three racehorse transport companies in Alberta, Ontario and Quebec and formed the Hertz Truck Rental franchise in Edmonton. Hu was a fine horse-man and competed in many rodeos with his horse Docs Twister.

He entered politics as an Alderman on the Edmonton City Council from 1953 to 1959. He was elected to the Canadian House of Commons for the riding of Edmonton—Strathcona in 1968 federal election. A Liberal, he was defeated in the 1972 and 1980 elections.