Elizabeth Joan Smith
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| Joan Smith | |
|---|---|
| Ontario MPP | |
| In office 1985–1990 |
|
| Preceded by | Gordon Walker |
| Succeeded by | David Winninger |
| Constituency | London South |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Elizabeth Joan MacDonald January 5, 1928 Calgary, Alberta |
| Political party | Liberal |
| Spouse(s) | Don Smith (deceased) |
| Children | 7 |
| Residence | London, Ontario |
| Occupation | Children services |
Elizabeth Joan Smith, often referred to simply as Joan Smith, (born January 5, 1928) is a former politician in Ontario, Canada. She served in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as a Liberal from 1985 to 1990, and was a cabinet minister in the government of David Peterson.
Background
Smith was educated at St. Michael's College in the University of Toronto, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy.[1] She was the founding member of Mme. Vanier Children's Services and Diocesan Catholic Social Services in London, Ontario, and served on the board of governors for the University of Western Ontario. In 2001, Smith received a Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Western Ontario. Smith lives in London, Ontario. Her husband Don Smith was the co-founder of EllisDon, an employee-owned construction services company that was incorporated in 1951 in London, Ontario. She and Don raised seven children.[2]
Politics
In 1976 she was elected to council in the City of London. She served as alderman for nine years and was a controller for two of those years.[1] She was elected to the Ontario legislature in the 1985 provincial election, defeating Progressive Conservative incumbent Gordon Walker by 6,683 votes in the constituency of London South.[3] She was re-elected by an increased majority in the 1987 election,[4] and appointed to cabinet as Solicitor General on September 29, 1987.[5]
Smith was forced to resign her office on June 6, 1989. She had received a telephone call in the middle of the night from a constituent worried about the safety of a missing brother, and telephoned the police to express her concern. The opposition argued that this was an improper act, in that Smith's position as Solicitor-General could result in the case receiving preferential treatment.[1] Thomas Walkom wrote a newspaper column about this matter, entitled "Even Decent Politicians May Need to Resign".[6]
Smith later served as Chief Government Whip. In the 1990 provincial election, she lost to NDP candidate David Winninger by 5,651 votes.[7] She attempted a comeback in the 1995 election but finished third, behind Winninger and PC candidate Bob Wood.[8]
Cabinet positions
| Provincial Government of David Peterson | ||
| Cabinet Post (1) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Predecessor | Office | Successor |
| Ken Keyes | Solicitor General 1986–1989 |
Ian Scott |
| Special Parliamentary Responsibilities | ||
| Predecessor | Title | Successor |
| ' | Chief Government Whip (1989–1990) |
Shirley Coppen |
References
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