Candidate profile: Sean Casey

By John Ployer

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As UPEI students prepare to go to the polls this October, The Cadre is reaching out to the candidates to help students understand who exactly are the people they will see on the ballot.

The second interview in our candidate profile series is Sean Casey.

Sean is the current Member of Parliament for Charlottetown, first elected in 2011 and reelected in 2015.

Before politics Sean practice law for 17 years, and managed a business in Charlottetown for five years. He is also an avid runner, having completed four marathons.

Sean says that he and his government have put a focus on youth and students since they first got elected.

“We have an aging population; we’re going to need to have a young generation that is both supported and supportive.”

Sean also attributed his party’s popularity with the youth to their victory in 2015.

Sean praised the Liberal government’s work over the past four years. He cited many positives PEI has received from the federal government including the Canada Child Care Benefit. Other benefits he mentioned were the reopening the immigration office on PEI and passing three trade deals.

“We committed to reversing a single-minded focus on balancing the budget in favour of progress,” he said. “Our emphasis has always been on leveling the playing field and making life more affordable.”

Particular to students, Sean gave examples of the work his government has done so far. Such as relaxing the repayment requirements for student loans and increasing funding for graduate students.

Sean said that he will continue to be accessible to students if reelected, visiting UPEI as much as possible and meeting with the Student Union executive annually.

“You will have access to me to address any concerns that you may have.”

He added that for progressive voters there are multiple parties to vote for this election, but the Liberals are the only party with a reasonable chance of forming government.

“I urge progressive voters to think about whether they want to make a statement or difference.”