ABOUT GEORGE SMITHERMAN

Biography

George Smitherman, MPP and
Minister of Health and Long-Term Care  

George Smitherman serves as the Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for the downtown Toronto riding of Toronto Centre and as Ontario’s Minister of Health and Long-Term Care.

In the riding, George is well-known for his advocacy and hands-on problem solving in areas such as housing, heritage preservation, community economic development, protection of pension rights, efforts to combat guns and drugs, and human rights issues.

He has contributed his time and energy to many noteworthy activities including the Regent Park Revitalization project, expansion of St. Jude’s community homes, the Pathways to Education project in support of high school students in Regent Park, development of West Donlands, and the passing of a Private Members Bill to save the St. James Cathedral.

George was first elected to the Ontario legislature in 1999, and was re-elected in 2003 and 2007. Before being elected as an MPP, George worked in all three levels of government. He served as chief of staff to Toronto mayor Barbara Hall, as an assistant to Premier David Peterson and as an advisor to federal cabinet ministers David Collenette and Herb Gray.

He has served as Ontario’s Minister of Health and Long-Term Care since the McGuinty government took office in October of 2003. As Health Minister he is overseeing an ambitious plan to strengthen our province’s health care system in order to deliver on three key priorities: healthier Ontarians, better access to doctors and nurses, and shorter wait times. He also holds the distinction of being Ontario’s first openly gay MPP.

George Smitherman has lived in Toronto Centre for more than 20 years.