NAMCA AGM 2010
Partnership for Developing Masaba Land
MEET THE 2010 AGM KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Dr. David Smith O.C., M.ML.J., D.U.
One of his proudest achievements is the
establishment of the David Smith Youth Centre.
A youth drug and alcohol treatment centre in
Ottawa. The centre is dedicated to the treatment
and rehabilitation of young people between the
ages of 13 and 18. When
the centre was founded, there was no treatment
or rehabilitation available for this age group in the
region.
David Smith was born in Ottawa to RussianJewish immigrant parents who chose to settle
in Canada to give their children a better future.
He was raised and educated in Ottawa, Ontario,
where he has continued to live. His early
employment, along with his 13 brothers and
sisters, was in his father’s shoe repair store in
lower town. David has become well known for his
commitment to his community and its well being.
He credits his parents with having instilled in
him the gift of giving early in life, particularly for
those who are the most disadvantaged in the
community. This has been a particular inspiration
throughout his life.
David’s boundless enthusiasm and unshaken
belief in mankind represents the key ingredients
to his incredible success in gathering like-minded
people around an issue or a cause to change
things and improve the lives of others.
His passionate commitment to the carious
causes and fundraising on their behalf in
Canada and elsewhere in the world has raised
over One Hundred and Forty Million Dollars
for these organizations.
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In addition to his commitment to the National
Capital area, David was one of the first private
individuals to publicly address the hopelessness
and sense of defeat suffered by the young
people of Davis Inlet, Labrador, and set about
establishing a drug/alcohol treatment program to
resolve the problems.
His caring for young people is not limited to those
with addiction problems. David realized that
training facilities were not available for young
people to obtain any type of light skills or job
training if they were not computer interested. His
approach was unconventional and some would
call it “very daring”.
D O.C., M.M.L.J ., D.U.
Dave receiving his Honorary Doctorate of
Medicine from the University of Ottawa.
Dave has also received his Honorary Doctorate of
Law from Carleton University.