THUNDER BAY -- Former long-time Liberal and Conservative MP and cabinet minister Joe Comuzzi has died at 88.
First elected under the Liberal banner in 1988 in the Thunder Bay-Nipigon riding, Comuzzi served six terms in the House of Commons, though his time in Ottawa was marked by controversy that ultimately led him to cross the floor and join the Conservatives. The riding later became Thunder Bay-Superior North.
While the minister responsible for FedNor, in 2005 Comuzzi quit cabinet in order to oppose the Liberal's same-sex marriage bill. He later was expelled from caucus when he announced he planned to support the Conservative budget in 2007.
After serving as an independent, Comuzzi made a high-profile switch to the Conservatives in June 2007.
Former Liberal MP Ken Boshcoff said anyone who knew Comuzzi at the time was not surprised at his willingness to stand up for his beliefs and those of his constituents.
"He delivered the goods. There's no doubt that when stuff had to happen, he came to the table and was not shy about going to sit in the prime minister's office until he got what he wanted. That led him to cross the floor. Watching that was quite fascinating,' Boshcoff said.
"He was his own man and certainly that's what guided him. I really think he was Thunder Bay and the district. His riding, came first. He didn't mind being contrary to any political stripe or philosophy."
Iain Angus, a NDP MP who served opposite Comuzzi from 1988 to 1993, said he was shocked to hear of his former political rival's passing.
Liberal Minister of Indigenous Services Patty Hajdu, elected three times in Thunder Bay-Superior North, was among the first to tweet her condolences on Sunday.
"Sad to hear of the passing of former Thunder Bay-Superior North MP Joe Comuzzi. My condolences to the Comuzzi family," Hajdu said.
Comuzzi's career as an elected official came to a close in 2008, when he declined to run for the Conservatives in the federal election. He died on New Year's Eve.
