Hardiman seeking Liberal nomination in Cumberland-colchester riding

Party has yet to set date for nominating meeting

TRURO, N. S. – Jim Hardiman has served his country both near and far, but has never forgotten his roots in Cumberland-Colchester.

The 60-year- old Truro resident, who served more than 30 years in the Canadian Armed Forces, has confirmed his intention to seek the Liberal nomination in the riding.

“I’m running because I believe strongly I can make a difference in my community, the riding and the country,” said Hardiman, whose last assignment in the military was as senior operations officer, supporting the Canadian Armed Forces’ mission to Afghanistan.

“I admire and respect the work that Bill Casey has done in this riding over 30 years and while I’m not going to say I’m going to be the next Bill Casey, I’m going to do my best to represent the community like Bill has.”

A date for a nominating meeting has yet to be set, although the federal election is in October.

Truro lawyer Joel Henderson is the only other confirmed candidate.

Casey has already announced he will not be running in October.

Hardiman said he got out of the military a decade ago to spend more time with his wife, Judy.

He also made a commitment to get more involved in his community, serving as mentor at the Truro library as well as with the Truro area arts community.

Now he wants to put his skills to work as a member of parliament.

Hardiman feels he shares the same views and values as Casey and believes the Liberal Party’s policies line up best with his.

Hardiman feels his experience in the military will help him as he seeks a political career because as a colonel he worked in Ottawa and with politicians at the highest levels of government.

“I’ve worked with elected officials and senior bureaucrats and I’ve worked on major projects involving a lot of money,” he said.

“That experience is important when it comes to knowing the workings of government. I have a lot of experience and a lot of leadership experience.”

Hardiman sees several important issues, including high-speed internet in rural communities. Like electrical power, he contends it’s essential for businesses and communities to compete and survive.

Besides being an inconvenience, he said, lack of broadband internet is stymying economic growth.

Hardiman also wants to see better for an aging population and a national pharmacare program that makes prescriptions affordable.

Most importantly, he said, adult Canadians must accept their share of the responsibility for climate change and work with the country’s youth to change attitudes and behaviours before the damage to the environment becomes irreversible.

“We have to do our part to help solve the problem. We’re seeing the effects of it now and our young people are going to have to deal with this.

“It’s time to step up and make meaningful changes to solve this problem, reducing greenhouse gas emissions in CumberlandColchester, Nova Scotia, Atlantic Canada and as a country. We all have to be involved.”

Jim Hardiman has announced he will be seeking the Liberal Party nomination in Cumberland-colchester. The Truro resident retired from the Canadian Armed Forces in 2009 after a career of more than 30 years. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO