he was demoted to a minister without portfolio responsible for municipal affairs. He held this position until 1995. In 1994, The government tabled Bill 167, a bill which would have extended spousal benefits to same-sex couples. Pilkey opposed the bill and did not agree that this was a human rights issue. he said, "I'm not aware under the charter that any human rights are being violated." He criticised CAW leader Buzz Hargrove for supporting the bill. Pilkey claimed that many union members agree with his position to oppose the bill. On June 9, the government held a free vote and the bill was defeated. Pilkey was one of three government ministers to vote against the bill. The NDP were defeated in the 1995 provincial election, and Pilkey lost the Oshawa riding to Progressive Conservative Jerry Ouellette by over 8,000 votes. Cabinet positions Electoral record Later life Pilkey was the assistant to the executive director of administration at the Ontario Workers Health and Safety Centre. References External links Ontario New Democratic Party MPPs Mayors of Oshawa Living people Members of the Executive Council of Ontario 1945 births