TRURO - Cumberland Colchester Musquodoboit Valley is losing the member of Parliament they elected only six months ago.
Bill Casey's long run as the federal representative for the riding will end Friday when he takes over a new job with the provincial government. Casey announced in January he would not re-offer in the next federal election and at the time did not rule out retiring before the writ was dropped.
"It's earlier than I intended but I think it's the right thing to do," Casey said choosing his words carefully. "It's increasingly difficult to achieve the goals that I want to achieve for the riding."
He will continue to work hard for the people of his riding, and all Nova Scotians, in his new role.
"It's time I got out of politics," he said. "I have been at it 20 years and it is completely consuming and it's time for me to change and I think it's time for the riding."
Some people are speculating this has been in the works for a while and is why Conservatives in Cumberland Colchester Musquodoboit Valley have until Thursday to file nomination papers to run in the next election. Premier Rodney MacDonald said the federal party had "nothing to do with (the hiring) at all."
Some hope the move allows the traditional Tory riding to return to the Conservative fold.
"I see now an opportunity to put a Conservative in the riding of Cumberland Colchester Musquodoboit Valley," said Brooke Taylor, Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley MLA.
He said there is a benefit to having a member on the government side representing the region. So far only Scott Armstrong has announced he will seek the Tory nomination. Tracy Parsons confirmed yesterday she would seek the Liberal nomination.
The right thing to do'
- Published on April 29th, 2009
- Published on January 1st, 2010
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Jason Malloy
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Comments
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- Reg
- - January 18th, 2010 at 10:17:09
Well I guess anybody who thought Casey was running for the people in the last election got their eyes opened today. Obviously this last election was about sticking it to Harper one more time, then quitting when something better comes along. Thanks Bill for further 6 months of getting little or nothing done for this riding. And Rodney, who wouldn't touch you with a 10 foot pole in the last election, is suddenly singing your praises. Guess he's on his way out and knows it too.
So now I guess we get a by-election. Given the choice between Armstrong and Parsons, I'll take Parsons. The next government will be a Liberal one anyway. -
- Steve and Patti
- - January 18th, 2010 at 10:05:55
Sorry Reg... we can't disagree with you more.
Bill has done marvelous things for us here on the north shore, from making sure the mussel farm wouldn't happen to making Tatamagouche Bay and Barrachois Harbour was made safer for boaters by having lighted buoys deployed.
Congratulations Bill on your appointment!
Well done! -
- Michelle
- - January 18th, 2010 at 09:50:09
Casey has returned to his roots, with a healthy salary AND a pension all paid for by the people. What has he done that's so important . . . . a cure for cancer? peace among waring nations? No one deserves this kind of a payout especially since he thumbed his nose at the PC's just a short time ago!
