____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3700 Kempt Rd., Suite 225, Halifax, N.S., B3K 4X8 phone 902.454.6735 fax 902.454.7671 email nsfl@ns.aliantzinc.cawebsite www.nslabour.ca Nova Scotia Federation of Labour, CLC

August 14, 2015 To:The Officers and Executive Council of the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour Sisters and Brothers, Many, or most of you, are likely not aware that I had been eligible for retirement without penalty since 2013, and although this option had been given some consideration, it is clear from the fact I am with you today that I quickly decided it was not the time. Duringmybriefdeliberationsatthattime,comingtothatdecisionhadnotbeendifficultgivena number of factors, including: the ongoing support regularly received from affiliates, national, provincial and local leadership and rank and file members, from our staff as well as staff of our affiliates, plus the overwhelming love and pride I have working with and for workers. Theongoingsupportoffamilyhasalwaysbeen,andwillbe,amajorcontributorinsuchdecisionsas they do impact on them, both in a positive and negative way. Inaddition,thechallengeswefacedhadalsobeenacontributingfactor,andtherehadbeenmany, fromboththeMcNeilandHarperGovernments.DespitethebesteffortsofbothGovernments,with their anti-worker/anti-union acts and actions, we, the labour movement, have pulled together, grown and strengthened.We have many more challenges ahead and many more gains to make. Today,Ifindmyselfin,essentially,thesamepositionIhadbeenin2013,withverymuchthesame areasandlevelsofsupportandchallenges.However,thistimearound,thedeliberationanddecision was much more difficult. ItismyintenttocontinuetoserveasPresidentuptoandincludingourConventionattheendof October, but I will not be re-offering for President during the election process. Ihavewrestledwiththisdecisionforsometime,andithasnotcomewithafeelingofreliefor jubilation, for I truly love what I have been blessed to have been able to do these many years - work for and with workers, but it is time. I have learned, experienced and grown so much over the years. There are no words adequate enough to properly or fully express my gratitude for this wonderful opportunity, truly living the dream; a life of passion, compassion and commitment. On a personal and family note, it is difficult to expressthe gratitude and emotions on how the Labour Movement so totally embraced and supported our family. You have been there for us during times of joy and celebration and of sorrow and grieving. ChristopherandNicolegrewupwiththeLabourMovementandwhenanundiagnosedheartailment tookChristopherfromus,youagainembracedusandcomfortedusthroughanunbearableperiod.The pain will always be with us, as will the memories of kindness and support. JudyandIhavebeenmarriedfor43yearsandshehascounselledandsupportedmecontinuously throughout my career. As a matter of fact, early in our life together, she was the one who told me if I wanted to see change, get involved and to start going to union meetings, and I did. She has stood with andsupportedmeforthepast40yearsofbeinginanelectedfulltimepositionintheLabour Movement,26ofwhichhavebeenwiththeFederation,andneverhasherembracingsupport wavered. She believed in me and in the labour movement. Part of my decisionis a selfish one. I want to find ways to spend and enjoy more time with family, as theyhavegivensomuchsupportingme;itspaybacktime.NicoleandJamiehavegivenustwo wonderful grandchildren, Seamus and Whitney and I want to grow and learn with them. My vehicle accident on the Day of Mourning 2011 has been, and continues to be, hard on my body. My mobilityandagility havesuffered, andIwant to tryworkingonit,withthe hopesofimprovement to enable a good or better quality of life. I feel writing this letter to you has settled this decision in my mind, knowing it is the right decision and the right time. Ashardasthisis/was,itisnicegoingonahighnote,byyourowndecision,andwiththefondestof memories,nottomentionthefondestmemoryanyproudDadcouldhave.Nicole,whoinherown right is a strong labour and social activist, at her first convention of the NSFL in 2013, nominating me, her Dad, for President of the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour. This isnt goodbye, its thank you. After the end of my term, feel free to call if there is anything I can do to assist, support, advance or defend that which is so important to workers and families fairness, equality and justice - I will be around. Thank you one and all. In Solidarity, RICK CLARKE President RC/am/UNIFOR Local 4005