He’s going to be up against at least one other seeking the nomination for Central Nova, but he’s already thinking long-term.
“If people are looking for change, I’m a great way for it,” the New Glasgow-raised veteran said.
The other candidate to this point seeking the nomination is Derek Hawes, and The News will also be doing a profile on him.
One of the differences between MacLeod and current Member of Parliament Peter MacKay is that MacLeod doesn’t come from a political family.
“I never thought about getting in politics at all. I was approached by a couple of local Liberals and they asked me to run,” he said.
After discussing the idea with his wife, Katarin – a professor at St. Francis Xavier University – he realized he had personal reasons for wanting to get involved, and is dissatisfied with the current government’s performance.
After serving in the Canadian Forces for almost three decades until his medical release, he has a vested interest in the treatment of veterans.
“The way the veterans have been treated, well, it’s repugnant to be honest with you.”
He also points to his wife’s position as an academic, specializing in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and Stephen Harper’s “reputation for neutralizing scientists and intellectuals.”
MacLeod, a former Conservative Party member, points to the economy as another reason he decided to seek the nomination, along with a high unemployment rate.
“If I don’t step up to the plate now and start setting conditions so the economy is better, my girls are going to have to do what so many of our friends have had to do and that’s move away.”
MacLeod, a father of two, grew up in Pictou County, moving at age seven to Bridgewater when his father, who was working at Michelin, was transferred.
He often returned for the summer and for vacations to visit family before joining the military in an effort to ease the burden off his mother and brother following his father's death.
While serving, he continued his education from the University of Manitoba and Royal Roads University.
As his military career was ending, Katarin, who is also from the area, received a job offer at St. FX, allowing them to return home.
“And we have no intention of moving. It’s one of those things – after a military life, you really want to settle. Katarin and I have decided to settle. Katarin has a great career,” he said, expressing his pride for his wife as he listed her accomplishments.
He has hopes for Pictou County, and believes it just needs the proper conditions to grow.
Though he’s still building his ideas for an economic strategy, he did point to one particular source of jobs in the county.
“Waiting, assessing, and giving the mill every opportunity to address its pollution with a clear deadline is an uncomfortable but necessary step. By giving the mill opportunities and clear deadlines the government places itself in a strong position. I support the position that if the various new systems fail to reach clean air targets then the mill must close.”
If the Northern Pulp mill were to close, he doesn’t see it as the end.
“Should the mill close I suggest that there are other options that use the same resources, are long-term profitable, provide long-term employment, and are environmentally sustainable,” said MacLeod, who found out he was “green-lit” on Tuesday, suggesting wood pellets as a product that could be produced here and sold in the United Kingdom for use as an environmental friendly way to generate energy.
The Liberal nomination meeting takes place on Sept. 27 at the Museum of Industry with registration beginning at 1 p.m. for the 2 p.m. meeting.
On Twitter: @NGNewsAmanda