The MADD man's worthy cause
By Dave Mc Ginn
National Post
May 10, 2008

Andrew Murie is chief executive officer of MADD Canada. On the eve of Mother's Day, he reflects on his work for the organization.

1. What's your dream job?

I am now working in my dream job as CEO of MADD Canada. It is an honour and a privilege to work for a social cause that has reduced impaired driving deaths and injuries by 50% over the past 25 years.

2. What's your least-favourite sound at work?

Hearing the word "No!" It is heartbreaking to have a financial sponsor or politician turn down one of our proposals.

3. What was your previous job?

I was the executive director for Big Brothers of Burlington and Hamilton-Wentworth (Ontario). I was a Big Brother volunteer for three years when I was a university student.

4. What did you want to be as a kid?

I wanted to be an engineer in the space program.

5. Whom do you admire most?

I have the utmost respect for victims of impaired driving whose lives have been turned upside down by having a loved one killed or being injured themselves. Despite these terrible life-changing tragedies, these incredible people have the courage to tell their stories to high school students, politicians and the media in the hopes it will stop someone from driving impaired. The one part of their stories that always impacts me is having the empty chair around the table at family gatherings and holidays. It makes you go home and hug your own family.

6. What was your most satisfying moment at work?

The recent passage of Bill C-2 (which included changes to the impaired driving sections of the Criminal Code). MADD Canada and its volunteers had worked on this legislation for nine years. During this time frame, the bill was proposed five times but failed to be passed by the House of Commons and Senate until this year. This bill on impaired driving introduced new charges in the criminal code and gave police powers to apprehend drug-impaired drivers.

7. If you could have any job in the world, what would it be?

I would like to lead adventure tours. I could see the world and do the sports I love to do.

8. What words or phrases do you use most at work?

The phrases "transition," "transformation," "accountability," "leadership" and "the new realities."

9. What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Completing an Ironman triathlon (3.8-kilometre swim, 180-km bike and 42.2-km run) in under 13 hours on a very cold and windy day.

10. My philosophy of work is…

I always have a list each day of three to five things I want to accomplish that are crucial to the mission of MADD Canada. This small list keeps me focused on how to make the greatest impact each day.