“Joanna has covered a number of challenging and in-depth stories over the past year, from the passing of Jack Layton to the difficult trial of Russell Williams. She is a strong, detail-oriented and captivating writer who gets her facts straight and profiles the who’s who in federal politics and covers timely and important stories in an innovative fashion from live-tweeting to writing concise briefs and colourful features.”

Here are some stories Smith wrote last year for the Star:

http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2011/11/19/toronto_youth_inspired_by_visit_to_parliament_hill.html

http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2011/07/07/couple_kept_apart_by_immigration_mistakes_reunite.html

http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2011/03/30/elizabeth_may_shut_out_of_tv_debates.html