Murray Coell was appointed Minister of Advanced Education and Minister Responsible for Research and Technology on June 16, 2005.

He previously served as Minister of Human Resources and Minister of Community, Aboriginal and Women's Services.

Mr. 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 and 2005. 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, Mr. 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.

Mr. 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.