Stronger Schools.
Brighter Futures.

A believer in leaving no one behind, Muriel was named one of 100 Notable Women by the Canadian Federation of University Women in August 2020. Known for her sharp mind, willingness to listen, and ability to consider different points of view, she has been a respected leader in Manitoba.

Muriel graduated from the University of Manitoba with a BA (Honours), earned a diploma in Education from Oxford University, and later completed a BEd and MEd in psychological counselling at the University of Manitoba. She taught and counselled at the high-school level, later instructing at the Winnipeg Education Centre and the University of Manitoba. The University of Manitoba awarded her an honorary LLD in 2009.

Her political career began in 1973 as a New Democratic Party candidate in River Heights. In 1975, she became the first woman president of the Manitoba NDP. Elected MLA for Osborne in 1981, she became Canada’s first woman Deputy Premier and served in portfolios including Economic Development and Tourism, Community Services and Corrections, the Status of Women, Labour, and Housing.

Muriel has contributed to women’s issues and international cooperation through leadership and service with organisations including Empowering Women in Burma, the United Nations Association of Canada, the Provincial and National Councils of Women, the Canadian Federation of University Women, the Canadian Council for International Cooperation, the Manitoba Council for International Cooperation, and the Red River Basin Commission. She has also served on the Manitoba Human Rights Commission and Council on Post-Secondary Education, as a lay member of the Manitoba Law Society and the Association of Professional Engineers of Manitoba, as vice-president of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra Board, and as president of the Reh-Fit Centre board.

Christine has lived in the Whyte Ridge and Linden Woods area for over 23 years. She is the proud parent of four young adult children—two sons and two daughters—all of whom graduated from schools in the Pembina Trails School Division. In her leisure time, Christine enjoys long walks through the neighbourhood and on scenic trails, sports, reading, listening to music, and spending time with family and friends.

Certified to teach kindergarten to Grade 12, Christine spent the last 28 years of her teaching career as a dedicated educator with the Winnipeg School Division before retiring in 2018. She chose to teach at the elementary level because of her passion for working with students, their families, and the local community.

Christine was drawn to school trusteeship to bring a strong voice and classroom perspective to the board. She believes Pembina Trails should continue to support learning and strengthen diversity across its schools, classrooms, staff, and administration.

Alongside her teaching career, Christine volunteered on her school’s Multicultural Planning Committee, supported newcomer students and families, taught and supported English as an Additional Language (EAL), organised fundraising for humanitarian efforts, and connected families with community programmes. She also volunteers at the annual Folklorama festivities.

Christine believes every child deserves a full, fair, and unbiased education. Regardless of race, ethnicity, or cultural background, every student should have the opportunity to learn, grow, and reach their full potential in a caring and supportive school environment.

She also believes students should be encouraged to take on classroom leadership roles and explore specialised curricular interests across all subject areas. As a trustee, Christine works to ensure division schools continue to develop critical thinkers and leaders in the community and across the province.

Committees

• Education and Communications/Community Relations
• Human Resources and Policy
• Fort Garry–St. Norbert Healthy Child Coalition
• Assessment of Risk to Others/Self
• CUPE 4588 (Trades)
• CUPE 5121