MSS 10, PC 20, TC 46

Title: Jack Burnett Murta fonds

Dates: 1970-1985

Extent: 9.5 m of textual records and other material

Biographical Sketch: Jack Burnett Murta was born in Carmen, Manitoba, in 1943. He graduated from the University of Manitoba Diploma course in Agriculture in 1964. First elected to the House of Commons for the Lisgar riding in November 1970, Murta was re-elected in 1972, 1974, 1979, 1980, and 1984. Before the formation of the Conservative government in 1979, Murta served as opposition critic for agriculture, then transportation, air transportation and international trade. Under Prime Minister Joe Clark, he became parliamentary secretary to the President of the Treasury Board and chaired the Emergency Grain Movement Task Force. During this period he became active in the Canada-United States Interparliamentary Group, especially in its Committee on wheat. Back in opposition, Murta was named in 1981 to the Sub-Committee on Latin America and the Caribbean and, in 1982, to the Board of Directors of the Parliamentary Centre for Foreign Trade. Under Prime Minister Brian Mulroney he was sworn in as a Privy Councillor with his appointment as Minister of State for Multiculturalism September 1984 to August 1985. Subsequently he served as Minister of State for Tourism August 1985 to June 1986. He left politics in the late 1980s.

Custodial History: The fonds was donated to Archives & Special Collections by Mr. Murta in several instalments beginning in 1979.

Scope and Content: The collection spans his political career from his first election to the House of Commons in 1970. One major focus of interest is the material relating to the Canadian grain industries, with its associated transportation problems. Another is the correspondence with constituents and others on a range of issues. There is some information on party organization and politics, including the leadership conventions of 1976 and 1983. Not included are the personal diaries of Murta which he has retained for the foreseeable future.

Restrictions: There are no restrictions on access to this fonds.

Accruals: Additional accruals are pending.

Finding Aid: A printed finding aid is available in the Archives reading room. An electronic finding aid is available at the link below:

MSS 10, PC 20, TC 46