Harriet Stairs was the Executive Vice President, Human Resources at the Bank of Montreal until 2001, and since that time, has consulted in the human resources field. She is currently Chair of the Kids Have Stress Too!® (KHST!) Committee – KHST! is a program developed by The Psychology Foundation of Canada. In addition to this volunteer work, she in on the executive committee of the Shaw Festival Board, Co-Chair of The Portage Drug Rehabilitation Program of Ontario, Vice Chairman of the York Club and a Governor Emeritus of McGill University.

In addition, Mrs. Stairs is past President of "Smile" Theatre Company, dedicated to bringing live, professional theatre to seniors in Ontario. She is also a past member of the Ryerson University Board, the Strategic Management Association Board, as well as the Conference Board Council on Education.