UPDATE: Sept 11, 2:50pm – George Smitherman’s problems may have only just begun.
The former Liberal MPP addressed media today at Toronto Western Hospital. He confirmed that his husband is safe, but said his family is bracing for difficult times.
“The path forward isn’t firmly clear except that we know that it’s long and it will be hard,” said Smitherman, who was accompanied by former Toronto Mayor Barbara Hall.
Smitherman refused to take media questions although he thanked the media and citizens of Toronto for their love and support. He also thanked Toronto police “and a special dog named Ranger.”
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Husband of former Ontario MPP George Smitherman found alive
UPDATE: Sept 11, 11:50am – Toronto Police confirm that Christopher Peloso, the husband of former Toronto mayoral candidate and Liberal MPP George Smitherman, has been found alive.
Constable Sarah Diamond tells Xtra that Peloso was “located” in the area of Lansdowne and Dupont streets. Diamond says Peloso was found “conscious and breathing.” That does not necessarily indicate any foul play, she says, it means the missing person has been found in good health, as opposed to unconscious.
“The family has not been notified yet,” says Diamond. “That’s just because this has all happened within in the last 15 minutes. He probably hasn’t had time to get home yet.”
Diamond says a family member reported Peloso missing. She does not know if Peloso suffers from a medical issue or why he went missing in the first place.
Moments after police confirmed he had been found, Smitherman tweeted: “Christopher is alive and safely in the hands of Toronto Western Hospital. Love and thank you to all.”
Police began searching for Peloso after he had been reported missing for 24 hours. Diamond says there is no “normal” proceedure when it comes to missing people. “I don’t have access to any of his personal health information, or if he has a medical condition or anything. Police can start a search four hours after if the person doesn’t come home when they are supposed to based on the circumstances.”
Husband of former Ontario MPP George Smitherman reported missing
Toronto Police are searching for the husband of former Toronto mayoral candidate and Liberal MPP George Smitherman, who has been missing for 24 hours.
Christopher Peloso, 39, was last seen on Sept 9 at 4pm in the Davenport Road and Bathurst Street area.
Peloso is described as five foot eight, 150 pounds, with brown eyes and short, light-brown hair. He was wearing a dark-blue jacket with a hood, tan-coloured cargo shorts, and blue flip-flops.
In a news release, police said they are concerned for his safety. Smitherman distributed a short statement on Twitter. “Michael, Kayla and myself, with the support of family and friends, are hopeful that our husband and father will be home safely soon,” said Smitherman.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-1300 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477).
Toronto Mayor Rob Ford defeated Smitherman and Joe Pantalone in the 2010 municipal election. Read Xtra’s coverage of the 2010 election and watch a sit-down interview with Smitherman.
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