Most changes involve both gains and losses, both joys and sorrows. While I am very excited about the new work waiting for me at the Center for Public Justice, changing from my present work involves at least one big loss. I will be saying goodbye to a set of work companions with whom I have been sharing common dreams and common efforts over the past ten years. The Christian Labour Association of Canada is a labor union with about 50,000 members. It has been enjoying fairly rapid growth in recent years, and offers a fresh approach to labor relations. In its international solidarity work it has been, among other things, a champion of independent labor activism in Cuba and China. In addition to giving me a worthy cause to serve since 1999, CLAC has also been a wonderful community — I have grown to love my colleagues, have enjoyed their robust camaraderie, and have made what I hope will be some lifelong friendships. My immediate colleagues in CLAC’s Research and Education department have been an inspiring crew: innovative, entrepreneurial, hard-working, and keen on advancing the union’s vision. I shall miss all of these good people dearly. I owe them much gratitude.
May 14