George Smitherman

George Smitherman
Terry Jefford · Attribution · source
Name	George Smitherman
Birth date	1964
Birth place	London, Ontario
Occupation	Politician, broadcaster, businessman
Party	Ontario Liberal Party

George Smitherman is a Canadian broadcaster, executive and former politician who served as a member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario and as Deputy Premier. He represented the Toronto ridings of Toronto Centre and University—Rosedale regions, served in the cabinet of Premier Dalton McGuinty, and later pursued media and business ventures in Toronto and Mississauga. Smitherman's career intersected with municipal leaders, provincial institutions, and national organizations during the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

Early life and education

Smitherman was born in London, Ontario and raised in Ontario communities before attending post-secondary institutions in the province. He studied at Ryerson Polytechnic University (now Toronto Metropolitan University), and was involved in media and communications in Toronto and surrounding municipalities. His early associations included local broadcasters and community organizations across Ontario and engagements with provincial arts and cultural institutions.

Municipal and provincial political career

Smitherman began public life in municipal politics and civic activism in Toronto wards that interfaced with leaders from North York and Etobicoke. He worked with councillors and municipal officials associated with the Toronto Transit Commission and local planning bodies, coordinating on issues tied to downtown constituencies such as Toronto Centre. Transitioning to provincial politics, he ran under the banner of the Ontario Liberal Party, contested nominations influenced by party figures including Kathleen Wynne contemporaries, and won a seat in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario representing urban constituencies that overlapped with neighborhoods near Queen's Park and University of Toronto. During his tenure as a Member of Provincial Parliament he served on legislative committees that interacted with ministries led by ministers from the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario and the New Democratic Party of Ontario opposition.

Tenure as Ontario Deputy Premier and cabinet roles

Smitherman was appointed to the cabinet of Premier Dalton McGuinty, holding senior portfolios that required collaboration with provincial institutions including the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, the Ministry of Energy, and entities such as the Ontario Power Authority. As Deputy Premier he worked alongside colleagues from the McGuinty cabinet, liaising with cabinet ministers who oversaw files intersecting with agencies like Hydro One, regulatory bodies and public health organizations. His ministerial responsibilities involved negotiations and policy development touching on priorities set by the premier, interactions with opposition leaders from the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario and the Ontario New Democratic Party, and participation in intergovernmental forums involving officials from the Government of Canada and other provincial executives.

Post-political career and business ventures

After resigning from elected office, Smitherman moved into broadcasting and private-sector leadership in Toronto and Mississauga. He took on roles with media organizations and consulted for companies that interfaced with municipal and provincial stakeholders, including firms in the energy, real estate and communications sectors. Smitherman became involved with start-ups and established businesses that had dealings with banks such as the Royal Bank of Canada and financial institutions operating in Ontario, and he partnered with entrepreneurs who had backgrounds linked to Ryerson Polytechnic University alumni networks and Toronto incubators. His post-political activities included board memberships and executive positions that required engagement with corporate counsel, regulatory authorities, and nonprofit organizations.

Personal life and advocacy

Smitherman has been a visible advocate on social issues and community causes connected to urban constituencies in Toronto's downtown core, working with charities, health organizations and advocacy groups. He has participated in public forums alongside figures from provincial civil society and has been associated with initiatives related to LGBTQ+ rights, arts institutions and public health campaigns in collaboration with groups operating in Ontario and nationally. Smitherman's visibility connected him with cultural organizations in Toronto such as theatre companies, heritage trusts and community service providers.

Electoral record

Smitherman contested multiple provincial elections as a candidate of the Ontario Liberal Party in urban Toronto ridings. He faced opponents representing the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario, the Ontario New Democratic Party, and independent challengers, and his campaigns were reported in media outlets across Ontario including Toronto dailies and broadcast networks. His electoral history reflects campaigns run during electoral cycles involving premiers such as Mike Harris era precedents and subsequent leaders like Kathleen Wynne and John Tory in municipal and provincial contexts.

Category:1964 births Category:Living people Category:Ontario Liberal Party MPPs Category:People from London, Ontario Category:Canadian broadcasters