Ontario cabinet minister marries gay partner

Ontario's first openly gay cabinet minister has officially tied the knot.

George Smitherman and his partner, Christopher Peloso, exchanged wedding vows Sunday at a resort north of Elliot Lake, the Toronto Star reported.

The ceremony was conducted by an Ojibway spiritual adviser who referred to the ancient concept of gay or "two-spirited people", who often served as a mystics or medicine men, according to the Star.

Barrie-area Justice of the Peace Gerry Solursh conducted the civil portion of the wedding, followed by a performance by jazz singer Molly Johnson.

The health minister and deputy premier popped the question to 33-year-old Peloso over Christmas by giving him a cream-coloured tuxedo with a wedding invitation in the pocket, according to The Canadian Press.

After talking about having a "shotgun wedding'' if the federal government reversed the law allowing same-sex marriage, Smitherman made his engagement public in February.

Before the ceremony, the 43-year-old said the union would have political overtones, whether he wanted it to or not, because of his job position.

Premier Dalton McGuinty's office said he isn't attending the wedding because of a personal scheduling conflict, but the premier sent his regards to the couple.

"I've got nothing but the best of wishes for George,'' McGuinty told CP before jokingly adding, "I'm hoping that this marriage will help him come out of his shell.''

Smitherman first met Peloso, a manager at chocolate company Lindt Canada, 10 years ago.

The newlyweds plan to honeymoon in northern Ontario briefly before the minister returns to Toronto to gear up for the provincial election in October.

With files from The Canadian Press