Joyce Murray

Liberal MP Joyce Murray is one of a handful of MPs born on the African continent. Born to an American mother who fell in love with a South African surveyor, Joyce Murray's first 7 years were spent in South Africa before the family emigrated to Canada. Ms Murray attended Simon Fraser University where she studied archaeology and a decision to opt for a summer job planting trees instead of going on a dig led to her meeting her future husband, Dirk Brinkman, and a life-long partnership in the tree planting business. Brinkman's Reforestation Ltd now operates across Canada and the United States and six other countries. In 2001 Murray entered provincial politics becoming the first Liberal elected in New Westminster in 49 years. Murray was awarded with a cabinet position and served under BC Premier Gordon Campbell until 2004. Two years later Murray tried to win a seat federally but was rebuffed but not discouraged. In 2008, she ran in a by-election in Vancouver Quadra and won. In 2012, Joyce Murray was a candidate for the liberal leadership and surprised many with her second place finish. Catherine Clark spoke to Joyce Murray about her life Beyond Politics.