Maud Murray is Ontario’s new acting deputy minister for agriculture, food and agribusiness.
“She brings extensive leadership experience to the role, including work supporting small businesses and economic growth across Ontario,” Michelle DiEmanuele, secretary of the cabinet, said Tuesday on social media.
While serving as acting deputy minister, Murray will also continue to act as deputy minister of red tape reduction, a post she’s held since mid-2022.
Murray, a lawyer and civil servant who received the King’s Counsel (K.C.) designation in 2023, comes to the post with previous experience in the ag portfolio from a stint as the ministry’s deputy legal director from 2013 to 2015.
John Kelly, who’s retiring from the public service most recently serving six years as deputy ag minister, said Murray will thrive in the position.
DiEmanuele also expressed appreciation for Kelly’s leadership and contributions to the Ontario Public Service.
“John, your commitment to serving the people of Ontario has been greatly valued, and we wish you the best in your well-deserved retirement,” she wrote.
The province’s agriculture minister Sam Oosterhoff wrote that Murray and Kelly are tremendous public servants and thanked them for their “leadership and commitment to the agrifood sector in Ontario.”
