George Smitherman

George Smitherman, born on February twelfth, nineteen sixty-four, is a notable figure in Canadian politics and broadcasting. He made history as the first openly gay member of the Provincial Parliament (MPP) elected in Ontario, serving the Toronto Centre riding from nineteen ninety-nine until two thousand ten. His groundbreaking role extended to becoming the province's first openly gay cabinet minister, marking significant progress in representation.

In two thousand ten, Smitherman resigned from his position to pursue the mayoralty of Toronto during the municipal election. Although he was a prominent candidate, he faced a challenging race and ultimately did not secure the position.

Smitherman returned to the political arena in two thousand eighteen, running for a seat on the Toronto City Council in Ward thirteen Toronto Centre, an area that encompassed much of his former riding. He garnered fifteen percent of the vote but was unable to unseat the incumbent, Kristyn Wong-Tam, who received fifty percent.

Since March two thousand twenty, Smitherman has taken on the role of president and CEO of the Cannabis Council of Canada, continuing to influence public policy and advocacy in a rapidly evolving industry.