39th Parliament Members
at dissolution on April 16, 2013

MLA: Murray Coell  Saanich North and the Islands Elected: 1996, 2001, 2005, 2009 BRITISH COLUMBIA LIBERAL PARTY

Murray Coell was first elected to represent the riding of Saanich North and the Islands in 1996, and was re-elected in 2001, 2005 and 2009.

Previously, he has served as Minister of Environment; Minister of Labour; Minister of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development; Minister of Advanced Education and Minister Responsible for Research and Technology; Minister of Community, Aboriginal and Women's Services; and Minister of Human Resources.

Before his election to the Legislative Assembly, Coell sat on Saanich Municipal Council for 12 years, six of them as Mayor.  He also chaired the Capital Regional District board, the Saanich Police board and the Capital Regional District hospital board, and was deputy chair of the Municipal Finance Authority.

Prior to his service in government, 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 lives with his wife Corinne in Central Saanich.