Paradise councillor Laurie is an inspiration, says MNL
By Mark Squibb/December 21, 2022
Paradise councillor Elizabeth Laurie was the proud recipient of this year’s Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador Inspiration Award.
“It was definitely humbling, and exciting,” said Laurie. “I was very honoured.”
During MNL’s Women’s Summit, two awards are handed out — an Achievement Award and an Inspiration Award.
Laurie was nominated for the Inspiration Award by two fellow Paradise women – councillor Deborah Quilty and resident Serena Barefoot.
Laurie had wonderful things to say about both of them.
“Serena Barefoot is a youth in our community who has really taken on a positive leadership role,” said Laurie. “She was a member of our 50th anniversary advisory committee and she’s a member of our commemorative committee for planning our war memorial services, and she’s a leader with Girl Guides. She’s young, she’s only 18, and she’s an active person in the community already.”
Laurie said she is also inspired by Quilty, who was first elected to council in 1993 and is serving her eighth consecutive term.
“I know that for so long, she was one of the only women in that role,” said Laurie. “There are more and more women getting invovled in municipal politics. But I know that back when she first started, she had to have been one of the lone women standing. The residents keep re-electing her because they have so much faith in her, and trust in her. You don’t get re-elected that many times without putting in a lot of hard work and dedication to your community. I am certainly inspired by her.”
In their nomination, the women noted Laurie’s fight for greater transparency at council and better communication with residents. The nomination also highlighted Laurie’s commitment to council and to the community in the face of many challenges. Laurie is the mother of two young children, and her husband is a rotational worker. She works full time, and this past year has battled colon cancer. And yet, she still finds time to serve on council and town committees.