MLA: Hon. Murray Coell

"Knowing that you oh Lord move the hands of the kings of the earth to perform your purpose we present to you the right honorable MLA Murray Coell. Our prayer is that you endow him with the spirit of wisdom like Solomon so that he can carry out his duties confidently and with a sense of renewed vision. Keep his mind from unhealthy alliances which would compromise the quality of service that is dispensed through his ministry. May you provide him with leaders of integrity that will champion the vision he sets forth and may each of the men and women that serve under him develop a strong sense of cohesiveness as a team that works well together. May unity be their portion and may they fulfill the mandates in the coming years that will improve the quality of education in our province. Above all protect them from a mindset that would be insular instead of visionary. May they walk in the light that enables them to see where things must change for the betterment of future generations. This we ask in the strong name of Jesus Christ!

Amen.

Murray Coell was re-elected to the riding Saanich North and the Islands in the 2009 election. On June 10, 2009, he was appointed to serve as Minister of Labour.

Previously, Minister Coell served as Minister of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development, Minister of Advanced Education and Minister Responsible for Research and Technology. In addition, Minister Coell’s past portfolios include Minister of Human Resources and Minister of Community, Aboriginal and Women's Services.

Minister Coell also served as Official Opposition critic for environment, for children and families, and for social services. He sat on the Select Standing Committees on Public Accounts, and on Environment and Tourism, as well as the Official Opposition Caucus Committee for Children.
He was first elected in 1996 to represent the riding of Saanich North and the Islands, and was re-elected in 2001, 2005 and 2009. He has served on the Government Caucus Committee on Communities and Safety, the Cabinet Committee of Agenda and Priorities, the Treasury Board, and the Public Sector Employers' Council.
Before his election to the Legislative Assembly, Minister Coell was a social worker, specializing in alcohol and drug rehabilitation as well as in services to those with mental disabilities. He also owned and operated a small business.
He received his bachelor of arts in social welfare from the University of Victoria.
Minister Coell sat on Saanich Municipal Council for 12 years, six of them as Mayor. He also chaired the Capital Regional District, the Saanich Police board and the Capital Regional District hospital board, and was deputy chair of the Municipal Finance Authority.
He served as a volunteer for 10 years on the board of Silver Threads Meals on Wheels and for five years on the board of the Queen Alexandra Hospital for Children.
Murray and Corinne Coell live in Central Saanich.