Home > George Smitherman

Smitherman was long active in politics, having been Chief of Staff and campaign manager to one-time Toronto mayor Barbara Hall, and a longtime Liberal policy advisor. He also ran a private consulting business, and owned a photofinishing shop in downtown Toronto.

In the 1999 Ontario election, Smitherman was nominated as the provincial Liberal candidate in Toronto Centre-Rosedale. The Toronto municipal amalgamation of 1997 proved to be a major issue in the campaign -- the riding's previous MPP, Progressive Conservative Al Leach , had chosen not to run again, and former Toronto mayor John Sewell was running as an independent candidate in protest against the "megacity" legislation. Sewell's entry into the race was controversial, with many activists accusing him of splitting the left wing vote with the NDP. As well, the provincial campaign dynamic was complex, with many union leaders and other traditional NDP supporters openly advocating strategic voting for the Liberals to defeat the PC government of Mike HarrisMichael Deane Harris (born January 23, 1945) was the twenty-second Premier of Ontario from June 26, 1995 to April 15, 2002. He is most noted for the " Common Sense Revolution" and his large cuts to provincial programs and taxes. The Hon. Mike Harris Rank.

Whatever dynamics played into the election result, however, Smitherman won the seat, becoming the first openly gay MPP in Ontario. He proved to be a fiercely partisan and combative politician. Smitherman once famously posed feeding several pigs at an "Ernie Eves-Trough" to highlight a patronage appointment by the government.

However, he is also known as a hard worker very committed to representing and working with and for his constituents. Smitherman was handed the difficult auto insurance file by Liberal leader Dalton McGuinty and impressed industry, experts and consumer advocates with his quick grasp of the complex issues involved.

In the 2003 Ontario election, Smitherman's role in the campaign was the subject of considerable attention. The Liberal campaign was characterized by many observers as a "good cop/bad cop" routine -- the positive messages of the campaign were delivered by party leader Dalton McGuintyDalton McGuinty Rank 24th Term of Office October 23, 2003 present Predecessor Ernie Eves Date of Birth July 19, 1955 Place of Birth Ottawa, Ontario Spouse Terri McGuinty Profession Lawyer Political Party Liberal Dalton James Patrick McGuinty Jr. Canadian, while Smitherman was the face of the party's more confrontational campaign tactics.

The Liberals won the election, and when McGuinty was sworn in as the 24th Premier of OntarioThe Premier of Ontario is the first minister for the Canadian province of Ontario. They are the province's head of government and de facto chief executive. The current Premier of Ontario is Dalton McGuinty. See also Prime Minister of Canada Premier (Canad on October 23October 23 is the 296th day of the year (297th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 69 days remaining. Events 4004 BC The universe was created, according to the Ussher-Lightfoot Calendar. 42 BC Roman Republican civil wars: Second Battle of Phili, Smitherman was named to cabinet as Minister of Health, again making history as Ontario's first openly gay cabinet minister.

Smitherman has won both praise and criticism for his tough management of the difficult health portfolio, including a scandal involving improper cleaning of medical equipment. A fiercely partisan and passionate politicians, he was dubbed "Furious George" for his blunt language with hospital CEOs who continue to run deficits year after year.