Peter Kormos dead at 60

Peter Kormos, a former NDP MPP and Welland councillor, died Saturday morning at his home.

Kormos, who was 60-years-old, had a long career as a politician and made a name for himself as a man who always spoke his mind and never backed away from a fight.

A criminal lawyer by trade, he was first elected to the Ontario legislature in 1988. When the NDP was elected to form a government in 1990 he was named to Bob Rae’s cabinet, but was later removed after feuding with Rae over a number of issues.

Politicians across the political landscape expressed their condolences after the news of Kormos’ spread.

In a statement NDP leader Andrea Horwath said, “New Democrats, and Ontarians across the province, have lost a giant today and I’ve lost a mentor and friend.”

The Premier’s office also released a statement with Kathleen Wynne saying, “Peter was a man who never stopped fighting for what he believed in, and he firmly stood his ground within his party and in the face of any opposition. He was a passionate advocate of equality, and an important ally of the working class.”

Kormos championed many social causes and didn’t shy away from colourful antics in the legislature. He retired from provincial politics in 2011, and was elected to represent Welland at the Niagara Regional Council last year.

The cause of death was not immediately known.