Charlottetown MP Sean Casey has disclosed that his removal as parliamentary secretary to the minister of veterans affairs was due to his backing of an NDP private member’s bill that aimed at regulating arms exports to Israel. Back in March, Casey revealed that he had been cautioned by the Liberal whip that supporting NDP MP Jenny Kwan’s Bill C-233, also known as the No More Loopholes Act, would result in his dismissal from his duties.
Even though 15 Liberal MPs defied party lines to support the bill, Casey stood as the sole parliamentary secretary in favor. He emphasized that the bill’s objective was to close loopholes allowing Canadian military equipment to be indirectly transferred to Israel for potential use against Palestinians.
Following his support for the bill, Casey received a call from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) informing him of his replacement by Quebec MP Sophie Chatel. Casey expressed surprise at the direct references to his support for Kwan’s bill in conversations with both the whip and the PMO.
Parliamentary secretaries earn an additional $20,900 on top of their base MP salary and are tasked with representing the minister at public events. Casey remarked on his commitment to his constituents and his belief in upholding their interests through his votes in favor of the legislation.
Casey highlighted his understanding that Liberal MPs not in the cabinet were generally allowed a free vote on private member’s bills unless they directly conflicted with key Liberal principles or constitutional rights. He noted a perceived change in the rules that caught him off guard and raised concerns about the party’s stance on allowing MPs to vote independently.
Despite the turn of events, Casey affirmed his respect for the prime minister and his continued dedication to representing his constituents’ interests in the House. He expressed a sense of liberation from strict party lines, emphasizing his enduring loyalty to the Liberal Party and Prime Minister Trudeau.