Last job held
MPP for the riding of Toronto-Centre Rosedale since 1999; resigned to run for mayor
Elected most recently in 2007 with 48% of the vote
Served as Minister of Health and Long Term Care and Deputy Premier (2003-2008)
Served as Minister of Energy and Infrastructure (2008-2009)
Other work
Organizer for Ontario Liberal Party and Premier David Peterson
Chief of staff and campaign manager for Barbara Hall
Notable accomplishments
As MPP, established new community skating and reading program
Helped lead the redevelopment of Regent Park
Implemented a program to reduce wait times for hospital procedures
Responsible for Ontario’s Green Energy Act; received World Wind Energy award for championing green energy
Personal
46 years old, lives downtown with his husband and young son
Grew up in Etobicoke and used to work in his father’s business, Smitty’s Haulage
Went into politics immediately after graduating as Student Council President at Burnamthorpe CI
Ontario’s first openly gay MPP
Known as "Furious George" for his aggressive manner
Was the first Liberal to be voted “Toronto’s best MPP” by readers of Now Magazine
Controversy
Came under fire for his role in the eHealth records system scandal, which happened while he was health minister; eHealth awarded millions of dollars in no-bid contracts
Was criticized for ignoring calls for an independent investigation into C. difficile deaths in hospitals
Admitted a five-year addiction to illegal drugs before running for mayor
Estranged from his older brother, Arthur, who is running for city council and has endorsed Rob Ford
Platform planks
Reduce councillors’ and mayor’s office budgets by $2 million
Implement an immediate hiring freeze for all but city’s essential services
Integrate Toronto’s Fire and EMS services to cut response time for serious, life-threatening emergencies
Use traffic wardens to get traffic moving in peak hours at busiest intersections
10-year integrated transit expansion that includes LRT and subway expansion without depending on road tolls
Eliminate or reduce the vehicle tax
Will join budget committee and lead a review of city budget
Key endorsements
Former Toronto mayor Art Eggleton
Former candidate Sarah Thomson
Councillors Chin Lee, Pam McConnell and Joe Mihevc
Liberal MP Bob Rae
Former Ontario cabinet member Isabel Bassett
Conservative Senator Nancy Ruth
Carpenters’ District Council of Ontario
Official website
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