Prior to being elected to the Alberta Legislature in June 1993, Murray Smith was an independent businessman focused on marketing, and domestic and international financial management. Murray has an extensive background in business operations and ownership. His private sector experience includes ownership and co-ownership of a number of Alberta companies in both the energy and retail sectors. In March 2001 Murray was appointed Alberta's Minister of Energy. The ministry works to ensure that Alberta's important energy and mineral resources are managed and developed in an effective and environmentally responsible way that adds value for all Albertans.
Major areas overseen by the ministry include electricity, natural gas, oil, oil sands and coal.
He is also a former MLA Director of the Calgary Stampede Board. Murray was born and raised in Red Deer, Alberta.