Former Digby MLA remembered

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says the province has lost

a proud and devoted Nova Scotian in former Liberal MLA Joe Casey.

The former Digby-area MLA passed away on Feb. 16 at the age of 91. “Joe Casey spent more than two decades as the MLA for Digby and Digby-Annapolis, making a difference in the lives of the people he served,” said McNeil. “Beyond politics, Joe’s dedication to his

province led him to serve in the Canadian Army and the Royal Canadian Navy during the Second World War. “Joe had a wonderful sense of humour. He loved to tell stories and make people laugh,” added McNeil. “He loved people and he loved helping them.”

Casey was first elected in the riding of Digby in 1970. He represented the area until 1984, when he took a break for health reasons. He was re-elected in 1988 and served until 1997. During that time he also held the role of deputy Speaker of the House.

McNeil expresses his sympathy to Casey’s family and

friends. “Today, our hearts and thoughts are with those closest to Joe at this difficult time,” McNeil said. “Joe was an institution and the finest example for those of us who continue in public service.”

Acting Premier Frank Corbett also offered his condolences to the family and friends of the former MLA. "I was deeply saddened to hear that Joe Casey passed away this week," said Corbett on Wednesday. "I never had the privilege of working with Joe in the Nova Scotia Legislature, but I know that he was extremely dedicated to his constituents, and all Nova Scotians. "He worked hard to represent the needs of the people of Digby and he will be greatly missed."