As the discussion around the Progressive Conservative leadership convention and potential candidates escalates, it seems to be the opportune time for me to let Nova Scotians know where I stand.  In June 2009 I was asked and I agreed to assume the responsibilities of the leader in the interim until delegates chose their next leader at the convention in October 2010.   I was advised by the Party President that this recommendation from Caucus to Provincial Party executive received unanimous support from members of the executive. 

Following the June 9^th election, the need to connect with Nova Scotians and to engage our members and others in meaningful dialogue was obvious.  To that end, I began to visit communities across the province. 

As I stated in my message at the recent Annual General Meeting – “at the best of times the advice is encouraging; at the worst of times the criticism is stinging, but it is constructive and it needs to be received as such”. It was clearly understood that the ideas, needs and concerns expressed to me about our party and our province would become part of an information base to be used by the Progressive Conservative executive, Progressive Conservative caucus and the next leader.

As weeks and months passed, and as my tour continued, the speculation that I could be a potential candidate increased.   However, my commitment to the Progressive Conservative Party was to provide leadership until the next leader was chosen.  I am doing that.  I will not be declaring my candidacy for the position of leader.  I am honoured to have been elected, once again, to represent the constituency of Colchester North and I am committing my time, my focus and my energy to those constituents.

The Honourable Karen Casey