Mike Murphy (New Brunswick politician)

Michael Barry Murphy KC (born January 25, 1958) is a New Brunswick lawyer and politician.

Michael Murphy
Member of the New Brunswick Legislative Assembly
for Moncton North
In office
June 9, 2003 – September 27, 2010
Preceded byRené Landry
Succeeded byMarie-Claude Blais
Personal details
Born (1958-01-25) January 25, 1958 (age 66)
Moncton, New Brunswick
Political partyLiberal
Occupationlawyer

Biography edit

Murphy graduated from Moncton High School in 1976, from the University of New Brunswick with a Bachelor of Business Administration in 1980 and a Bachelor of Laws in 1983. He received his Master of Laws from Osgoode Hall Law School in 2002.[1]

A personal injury lawyer, Murphy was president of the New Brunswick Liberal Association from 1988 to 1993.

In 2001, Murphy considered running for the leadership of the New Brunswick Liberal Party,[1] but dropped out after forming an early campaign team. He supported Shawn Graham, the eventual winner.

He was first elected to the Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick in the 2003 election, the only Liberal to win a seat in Moncton.[2] Following the election, he was named as opposition critic for the Department of Family and Community Services, a post he held until being elevated to finance critic in early 2005.

He was re-elected in the 2006 election and joined the cabinet as Minister of Health.

In June 2009, Murphy became the Attorney General and Justice Minister. He resigned from cabinet in January 2010 to spend more time with his family and return to practising law.[3] At the time, Murphy said the decision had nothing to do with the government, but later admitted that he did quit over NB Power, but said he felt it was more honourable to not say so at the time.[4] In early 2010, Murphy took a partner position at the law firm of Cox and Palmer in Moncton. In 2011 he formed his own firm which has expanded to over a dozen employees.[5] In 2022, it was re-branded as the Mike Murphy Law Group.[6]

New Brunswick Liberal Association leadership election, 2012 edit

On January 5, 2012, Murphy announced he was entering the race for the leadership of the New Brunswick Liberal Party.[4] In October 2012, at the leadership convention, Murphy was defeated on the first ballot by Brian Gallant.[7]

2012 Liberal leadership election results[7][8]
Candidate Points %
Brian Gallant 3,259.44 59.26
Michael Murphy 2,089.39 37.99
Nick Duivenvoorden 151.17 2.75

References edit

  1. ^ "Liberal leadership to be next spring". CBC News. June 3, 2001. Retrieved January 31, 2023.
  2. ^ Philips, Andrew (June 10, 2003). "Tories dominate Moncton". New Brunswick Telegraph Journal. ProQuest 423184192.
  3. ^ "N.B. justice minister quits suddenly". CBC News. January 4, 2010. Retrieved June 28, 2012.
  4. ^ a b "Michael Murphy launches Liberal leadership campaign". CBC News. January 5, 2012. Retrieved July 14, 2015.
  5. ^ "Our Team | Mike Murphy Law Group".
  6. ^ mikemurphylawgroup.ca
  7. ^ a b McHardie, Daniel (October 27, 2012). "Brian Gallant wins New Brunswick Liberal leadership". CBC News. Retrieved July 14, 2015.
  8. ^ Hurs, Adam (October 29, 2012). "Gallant elected new Liberal Leader". TelegraphJournal.com. Retrieved October 29, 2012.[permanent dead link]

Further reading edit

  • "Hon. Michael Murphy, Q.C." MLA Bios - 56th Legislature. Government of New Brunswick. Archived from the original on December 19, 2009. Retrieved December 5, 2009.
  • ^ Moszynski, Mary (October 4, 2006). "Moncton MLA welcomes challenge, Mike Murphy says health minister's job comes with steep learning curve". Times & Transcript. p. A4.
New Brunswick provincial government of Shawn Graham
Cabinet posts (3)
Predecessor Office Successor
T. J. Burke Attorney General of New Brunswick
2009–2010
Kelly Lamrock
T. J. Burke Minister of Justice and Consumer Affairs
2009–2010
Bernard LeBlanc
Brad Green Minister of Health
2006–2009
Mary Schryer
Special Cabinet Responsibilities
Predecessor Title Successor
Stuart Jamieson Government House Leader
2007–2010
Greg Byrne