Thread by @Prof_Savage

Peter Kormos passed away 8 years ago today. Despite having served 18 of his 23 years at Queen’s Park on the opposition benches and fewer than 6 months in cabinet, the former #NDP MPP commanded a profile that was the envy of most cabinet ministers. THREAD⏬

#onpoli #PeterKormos

Kormos’ populist brand of left politics, his oratorical skills and his in-your-face style of political engagement made him stand out from the crowd. His wicked sense of humour and ability to produce witty one-liners and punchy sound bites made him a media favourite.

#onpoli

Kormos had a gift for getting under people’s skin. In May 2003, he had an amusing run in with Ontario PC MPP John O’Toole, the father of current Conservative Party leader @erinotoole.

#onpoli #PeterKormos

On May 12, 2003, on the floor of the Ontario legislature, O’Toole gave Kormos the finger in response to the Welland MPP’s persistent heckling.

#onpoli #PeterKormos

After O’Toole was called out for the gesture, he told reporters, “I don’t remember and I didn’t do it,” but after being reminded that he was caught on videotape, he relented.

#onpoli #PeterKormos

O’Toole told the #onpoli Legislature: “I sincerely withdraw the offence I gave to the member. It will not happen again.” Kormos took it all in stride, telling reporters: “after I just tore a strip off him, O’Toole still thinks I’m No. 1.”

I really miss #PeterKormos.