Smitherman for Mayor

February 15, 2010 permalink

George Smitherman, candidate for mayor of Toronto, has been approved to be one of two same-sex adopters of a fourteen-month-old boy.

This adoption continues the tradition of the politically powerful taking children from the less-fortunate by force of arms. For example, Michaëlle Jean, Stephane Dion, Jean Crétien and John Roberts. If you are, or know of, the family of the boy being adopted by Mr Smitherman, send word to Dufferin VOCA by email, [ rtmq at fixcas.com ] or phone, 705-744-6274. The story of the losers in this baby-transfer could be enough to keep Mr Smitherman out of the mayor's office.

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George Smitherman, former deputy premier of Ontario, is seen with his husband Christopher Peloso in their home on November 12, 2009.

Monday, February 15, 2010 10:52 AM

Smitherman ‘intensely thrilled' to be approved for adoption

by Jane Taber

George Smitherman, who wants to become Toronto's Mayor, is becoming a Dad first.

The openly gay politician and his spouse, Christopher Peloso, are adopting a 14-month-old boy from Toronto.

They are expecting their son on February 26.

The two are in Vancouver for the Games and last night they were at a party at the Labatt Beer Institute where Mr. Smitherman could not hide his feelings, saying he has always wanted to be a father and describing himself as being “intensely thrilled.”

He says he knows, however, that although Toronto is progressive he and Mr. Peloso will receive some negative comments, a backlash from some corners, for their decision to adopt and bring up a child.

The little boy, who the couple has taken out on day trips in the first steps of getting to know him, has lived in foster care since he was born.

Mr. Smitherman and Mr. Peloso went through the adoption procedures and screenings, waiting nearly two years for their son.

The couple, who were married in 2007, is simply thrilled. Warned that their lifestyle will change dramatically with a toddler in their lives, Mr. Smitherman said, “Try being Health Minister for five years.”

He served in Dalton McGuinty's government has deputy premier, Health Minister and Energy Minister. He stepped down last November to seek the Toronto mayor's seat. That election takes place in October.

No bad seats – for Liberals

The figure skating venue last night was packed with politicians.

Former Liberal Prime Minister Jean Chretien and his wife, Aline were a few seats away from Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff and his wife, Zsuzsanna Zsohar.

They were sitting in the front row of the VIP section. Behind them were U.S. Vice-President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill, as well as the American Ambassador to Canada David Jacobson and his wife, Julie.

Ironically, it was the American Ambassador who told the Ignatieffs that Canada had won its first gold medal. Concentrating on watching the Canadian figure skaters, they had no clue that Alexandre Bilodeau had captured the men's moguls Olympic title.

At a reception afterwards – mostly attended by Liberals – Mr. Ignatieff gave a rah-rah, patriotic speech. And he said what everyone was thinking: the Gold medal “monkey” was now off Canada's back.

Meanwhile, Jean Chretien, who was also at the party, mentioned to the crowd that he had called Alexandre Bilodeau to congratulate him.

With impeccable timing, Mr. Chretien was able to speak to the young man between his win and getting to the podium.

And that's because Mr. Chretien's daughter, France Desmarais, who is the chair of the Canadian Olympic Foundation, which helps fund athletes through the Own the Podium program, knows Mr. Bilodeau and was able to reach him on her cell phone.

At 76 years of age, and having been out of politics since 2003, Mr. Chretien is still very well connected.

Source: Globe and Mail