He had just retired from that job when he accepted the nomination as the New Democratic Party candidate in Durham East.
[1] As one of the oldest members of the NDP caucus, he was a strong advocate for pension benefits and for including the residents of land-lease communities (many of whom are seniors) under the Landlord and Tenants Act.
Mills was defeated in Durham East, finishing second against Progressive Conservative John O'Toole.
[7] Mills died at the Lakeridge Health Hospital in Bowmanville, Ontario, on June 4, 2004, at the age of 77.
[8] Jim Bradley, John O'Toole and Peter Kormos paid tribute to him in the legislature.