MLA Hon. Murray Coell Saanich North and the Islands Minister of Labour

Dear Lord and Saviour, we thank You today for Murray Coell and his many years of valuable community service to the residents of N. Saanich and now for the past 14 years as their able MLA. We especially appreciate how he has used his educational training in Social Services to the benefit of the those needing rehabilitation and services for those with mental disabilities as well as his exemplary volunteer work on the board of Queen Alexander Hosp. for children. Dear Lord we thank You for his faithfulness to the people of N.Saanich and ask You today to continue to bless the work of his hands that he has proven he has such a heart for. We pray You will give him divine insight , discernment, new and innovative ideas that will continue to make good changes in the riding of Saanich N. and the islands he serves. May his daily life be filled with Your grace, good health and happiness.

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.