Ottawa, Ontario
After a 35-year career in the Royal Canadian Navy, this former Vice-Chief and later Acting Chief of the Defence Staff, Mr. Murray was appointed Deputy Minister of Veterans Affairs Canada on August 1, 1999. During his tenure as Deputy Minister, Mr. Murray advanced the Department's commemorative programming and thereby ensure that the Canada's remembrance activities and initiatives were commensurate to the sacrifices and achievements of those who served this country in wartime and in times of peace.
From August 1999 to July 2003, Mr. Murray undertook a truly staggering number of initiatives on behalf of Canadian Veterans. Early in his mandate, Mr. Murray recognized the importance of promoting key commemorative events, which over his term at the helm, included the Battle of the Gulf of St Lawrence, the return of Canada's Unknown Soldier to the National War Memorial, the celebration of the 55th anniversary of the liberation of Holland, the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge and the 60th anniversary of Dieppe. Under his leadership, the Department for the first time reached an agreement on benefits for the Merchant Navy, extended benefits to the Newfoundland Foresters and other civilian groups, and received funding for the restoration of the Vimy Memorial as well as for significant renovations to Ste Anne's hospital. Mr. Murray oversaw the sponsoring of annual conferences on long-term care, the implementation of the Quality of Life Initiative and the improvement of programs and service delivery to Canadian Forces clients. He also implemented compensation to First Nations Veterans and created the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation.
In May 2001, Mr. Murray was invested in the Order of St. John for his work in support of Veterans and Canadian Forces personnel. A month later, he was appointed to the honorary position of Colonel Commandant of the Chaplain Branch of the Canadian Forces. Mr. Murray has made an exemplary and lasting contribution to the well-being of Veterans in Canada and to the commemoration of their sacrifice and achievements.