06/09/2019
On June 4th, 2019 I sat down with the Hon. Joyce Murray of Vancouver Quadra to discuss questions that my 2 coworkers and I gathered based on the work we had done for her over the past few weeks. My experiences working in her Ottawa office, specifically correspondence with her constituents, made me significantly more curious about her priorities and policy stances. Because Murray recently became Minister of Treasury in March, it was hard to fit this interview into her very busy schedule. I am grateful for the priority she gave us and the time she dedicated.
The first thing we discussed was her advice for professional women. Murray efficized the need for young women to follow their intuition. We need to be confident in what our gut is telling us, for we are always absorbing information subconsciously and it comes out in surprising ways. Murray told us that trusting her gut is how she became so successful in politics and that she would not have it any other way.
I then asked her a question I have been curious about since I knew I would be working in an environment and climate change focused office. Murray provided an uplifting answer to my question: “What gives you hope in the battle against climate change, specifically the proliferation of pollution in the oceans?”. She answered using examples on how she was able to enact significant progress in environmental protection within a short period of time. Before Murray was in office plastic pollution was not on the government’s radar. It took a constituent, who had volunteered their time, to approach Murray and share how they had been clearing Canada’s coastline of plastic. This constituent shared how they had no government assistance and Murray believed in their cause.
She decided to begin the process of directing government support towards this cause. Murray’s first step was to make a resolution in caucus that would begin the process with the help of the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans. The Minister of Environment, McKenna, saw this,and was immediately interested. Murray then began consulting NSERC, the National Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, about what the best approach would be. From this Murray developed a national strategy. There were 2 main objectives in this strategy. 1. Get rid of single use plastic. 2. Change Canada into a green government. This would involve decreasing plastic use and having a 75% reduction in plastic waste within the government. Minister McKenna formally committed them to this plan. The moral of the story according to Murray is a pebble starts a landslide. If you see a problem figure out how you can contribute to the solution; after all, movements have to start somewhere.
We then discussed Murray’s goals for her riding, Vancouver Quadra. She has 5 main goals:
- Progress on action against climate change and the implementation of more environmental protections
- Decrease income inequality
- Stimulate the clean energy economy
- Continue Indigenous reconciliation
- Defend the health of our democracy.
She has accumulated these goals based on feedback from constituents and progress already made during her term. Murray made progress by getting the federal government to deliver on climate change policy, and shifting metrics on housing and renting affordability. She gained feedback from constituents by having monthly policy breakfasts. At one breakfast in particular she focused on the problem of loneliness and isolation in Vancouver. Murray then decided to make an effort to shift the federal government’s vast resources to help the isolated connect with the greater community.
Another influence on her policy positions is her past experience running a reforestation company with her husband. This gave her awareness on how we thoughtlessly harm, we do not take accountability for our wrongdoings. One example that stuck with Murray is when a shipment of half dead seedlings was delivered and she was told to plant them anyway. This shipment was sent by a company who partnered with the government and neither party would fix the problem. Murray, her husband, and her company decided to lobby the government and they were successful. Now, the harvester of forests must replace them with the same amount of diversity as was present before. They must also ensure these replacement pace the growth mark so that there is a greater chance at survival. This policy ensures clear accountability and consciousness.
Murray is a passionate environmental advocate and a strong supporter of women. She sets attainable but difficult goals. She listens attentively to her constituents. She also takes immediate and practical action against problems presented to her. I admire Murray and her ability to thrive in the difficult field of politics.