Bill Casey To Step Down

Independent MP Bill Casey from Cumberland-Colchester (my home district) has decided not to run for re-election.

I do not know a lot about Bill Casey. He was part of the Conservative Party of Canada. He's been the MP for Cumberland-Colchester here in Nova Scotia for 16 years. I'm not sure how to measure this, but he has seemed to serve the district well. He has often won large victories with very little competition and this illustrates a large amount of local support.

In June of 2007 Bill Casey voted against the Conservative government's budget because it forced Nova Scotia to choose between their offshore deals or an enriched equalization formula. This contradicted the Atlantic Accord and, from Casey's perspective, broke a contract the province of Nova Scotia had made with the Federal Government.

I always enjoy individuals who speak truth to power and Bill Casey did just that. He essentially sacrificed his political career for what he thought was right. Harper quickly booted Casey from the Conservative caucus after he voted against the budget.

Casey still enjoys a lot of local support in Nova Scotia and one can hope he continues his political career here at the provincial level. Individuals who will stand behind their principles are hard to come by, regardless of their political stripe.