Cureatz was educated at the University of Toronto and Queen's University, earning a law degree from the latter institution. He worked as a barrister and solicitor before entering political life.
Cureatz served as Deputy Speaker of the Ontario Legislature from 1981 to 1983. He appointed as a Minister without Portfolio in Frank Miller's government on May 17, 1985, but accomplished little of significance before Miller's government was defeated in the house.[7]