The Peterson Years
@petersonyears.bsky.social
Commemorating the 40th anniversary of one of the most activist governments in Ontario’s history.
The Peterson years and trailblazers like Ian Scott helped create a more inclusive culture in Ontario and other political firsts. Staffer George Smitherman went on to become the first openly gay MPP and Cabinet Minister and Liberal Leader Kathleen Wynne became Canada’s first openly gay Premier.
January 16, 2026 at 5:05 PM
The Peterson years and trailblazers like Ian Scott helped create a more inclusive culture in Ontario and other political firsts. Staffer George Smitherman went on to become the first openly gay MPP and Cabinet Minister and Liberal Leader Kathleen Wynne became Canada’s first openly gay Premier.
With the Premier’s endorsement, Scott joined Cabinet and, among his many achievements, led the government’s efforts to update the Ontario Human Rights Code and bring it in line with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation.
January 16, 2026 at 5:05 PM
With the Premier’s endorsement, Scott joined Cabinet and, among his many achievements, led the government’s efforts to update the Ontario Human Rights Code and bring it in line with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation.
Before his appointment to the Cabinet, he met with former Leader Bob Nixon to ask his advice. "He thought the matter should be cleared with the Premier,” Scott wrote in his 2001 memoir, “To Make a Difference.” “So I arranged to discuss it with David. His response was “So what?”
January 16, 2026 at 5:05 PM
Before his appointment to the Cabinet, he met with former Leader Bob Nixon to ask his advice. "He thought the matter should be cleared with the Premier,” Scott wrote in his 2001 memoir, “To Make a Difference.” “So I arranged to discuss it with David. His response was “So what?”