Former MPP George Smitherman is one step closer to becoming a father.
He and his long-time partner Christopher Peloso received word that their adoption application has been approved by the Toronto Children's Aid Society.
Smitherman, who is considered a front-runner in Toronto's mayoral race, said there is still a long process that needs to take place, one that will take about six months to complete.
"Until that time, our adoption is not final," Smitherman said in a news release Sunday.
"This process allows for the new relationship between the child and prospective parents to begin and to determine whether the needs of the adopted child are being met," he said.
Smitherman said he and Peloso feel an "overwhelming joy" at the prospect of being parents to a baby boy. However, he also asked the media for privacy.
"We must ask for your complete cooperation in respecting our privacy and the important legal process that governs our potential adoption," he said. "I look forward to sharing more details when I am able."
Smitherman, who was the first openly gay MPP and cabinet minister in Ontario, married Peloso in 2007.
He resigned from the provincial legislature at the start of 2010 to focus on his campaign to replace outgoing Toronto Mayor David Miller in the October municipal election.
