Career
He was a supervising principal by career. But the Liberals demanded a recount whose result gave Durante a nine-vote lead, therefore giving Durante the seat in Parliament. However, Barnett and his party"s riding association filed a court challenge that concluded on 3 February 1969 when two British Columbia Supreme Court court judges ruled that twelve Canadian Forces members had voted despite being ineligible.
The result was therefore invalidated.
The Liberals ultimately decided not to challenge the ruling, and Durante"s seat was declared vacant.