Smith still undecided what next career step will be

Former Nipissing MPP Monique Smith (c) accepts Paul Harris Fellow for her outstanding service and dedication to the riding Friday from the Rotary Club of North Bay.

The Rotary Club of North Bay honoured former MPP Monique Smith Friday with a Paul Harris Fellow (Rotary's highest honour) for her outstanding service and dedication to the riding of Nipissing.

Pointing out that living life in the public arena is not easy, emcee Scott Clark passionately referred to one of Winston Churchill's greatest quotes when introducing Smith.

"You may look around the room tonight and there's some people missing that should be here ... and you know what -- in your political life, and I mean all politicians, the people that put their hat in the ring that stand for us and work for us and make a better community for us should be acknowledged,” he says.

“And in that process things happen ... and here is what Winston Churchill had to say -- 'You have enemies? Good. That means you’ve stood up for something, sometime in your life.' Monique Smith Thank You for standing for us.”





Smith, humbled by the honour, thanked the club noting she has a long standing relationship with the club dating back to the time she was a student.

“When I was in my second year of university I heard about the Rotary scholarship, I applied, I was interviewed by local Rotarians I was interviewed at the regional level and then I was selected to go to the University of Nice,” she explained.

“It was such a great experience to be chosen and to go.”

“I salute the Rotary for the foresight that they showed so many years ago to start that program and to have students travel around the world and give us, we the recipients of your generosity, such a great life experience. It was incredible it has stayed with me all my life.”

Smith went on to say that the award was really special and felt like the relationship had come around full circle.

“You invested in me early on and I tried to give back to the community over my eight years and I thank you for the recognition of that tonight.”

She also told the group that she has not decided what her next career step will be as she is currently enjoying down time with family and friends.

She does note that the next job will be something she has a passion for.