Smitherman to wed near Elliot Lake

Ontario Health Minister George Smitherman plans to marry his long-time partner at a wilderness resort near Elliot Lake Aug. 5.

The politician got engaged to Christopher Peloso, who manages the chocolate company Lindt, over Christmas. They are getting married at Laurentian Lodge, where Smitherman took Peloso's family last summer.

Smitherman, Ontario's first openly gay MPP, has been an outspoken advocate of same-sex marriage.

"I'm going to make a long-term commitment to Christopher in August and then I'm hoping that the people of my riding are going to make a long-term commitment to me on Oct. 10," Smitherman told the Toronto Star, referring to the upcoming provincial election.