Jeffrey F. Harris

Jeff Harris was called to the Bar in Manitoba in 1983, and has been a partner of Myers Weinberg LLP since joining the firm in 1996.

His practice focuses on Aboriginal law with an emphasis on land and related claims, both in litigation and negotiation. He also advises First Nations on governance, employment, and child and family services matters. He has appeared before Canada Labour Board adjudicators and in all levels of court, including the Supreme Court of Canada.

Jeff has long been active in the Canadian Bar Association, serving as President of the Manitoba Branch as well as on numerous national committees. As the Chair of the National Aboriginal Law Section, he advocated for policy changes to enhance Canada's justice system, particularly as it relates to survivors of the residential school system and the appointment of Aboriginal people to the courts.

Jeff came to land claims work, in part because of his background in history, through which he saw a need for a recognition and resolution of long standing aboriginal grievances. He believes this work is important because the resolution of these claims not only corrects historical wrongs, but provides First Nations with economic development opportunities which are critical for self-sufficiency.

Other professional responsibilities, involvement in professional associations, teaching, publications, etc.:

• Presented paper at Canadian Bar Association National Legal Conference - Aboriginal Law Section - Natural Resources and The Duty to Consult - March, 2005
• Member of the Office Management Committee of Myers Weinberg LLP - 2004 - present
• Board of Directors and Finance Committee, Canadian Bar Association - 2001 - 2002
• Presenter at Law Society of Manitoba CLE on Civility in the Practise of Law - June 2001
• Co-author and presenter of paper entitled Aboriginal Law: Issues for Litigators: Evidence and Witnesses for the Law Society of Manitoba - March, 1998
• Executive of the Manitoba Bar Association - 1997 - 2001
• Executive of the Canadian Bar Association National Sections Committee - 1997 - 1998
• Competency Committee of the Law Society of Manitoba - 1996 - present
• Co-chair of Manitoba Bar Association 1996 Mid-winter Meeting - 1995 - 1996
• Member of Organizing Committee for the 1995 Canadian Bar Association Aboriginal Law Subsection C.L.E. Different Roads to Self-Government, Annual Meeting, Winnipeg - 1994 - 1995
• Legal Fees Advisory Committee of the Law Society of Manitoba - 1993 - present
• Member, Organizing Committee for Manitoba Bar Association Aboriginal Law Subsection Symposium on the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry - 1993