I have received materials from Mr. Alasdair McKay who was let go from the Nova Scotia Research Foundation effective April 6th, 1992. I enclose herewith a copy of a letter from Mr. Tom Nickerson, President of the Nova Scotia Research Foundation, addressed to Mr. McKay, dated April 6th, 1992, which outlines the circumstances of Mr. McKay's termination at the Foundation. You will note that Mr. McKay was allegedly let go on the basis that his position had become redundant. The letter from Mr. Nickerson goes on to say that in 1989-90, the Research Foundation ceased contract geophysical survey activities and, as Mr. McKay was engaged in geophysical work, the decision to terminate him was made.
However, Mr. McKay's concern and complaint, which he has maintained for some time, is that the Research Foundation's current engagement in geophysical contract work, and the Foundation's publications in 1994 describing and outlining recent geophysical work clearly indicate they did not discontinue such activities. Mr. McKay's position is that the reasons given for his dismissal appear, in light of subsequent events, not to have been valid and are not valid at the present time.
It is absolutely true that Mr. McKay did sign a release at the time of his termination from the Foundation but, as I have indicated, that was done so on the basis that he was being told that the Foundation would be removing itself from geophysical work.
I write today on his behalf to ask if you would conduct appropriate inquiry of the circumstances both leading to Mr. McKay's termination at the Foundation and, as importantly, the engagement by the Foundation in geophysical survey works subsequent to Mr. McKay's termination. As I have indicated, it appears that the Foundation did not back away from geophysical work as Mr. McKay was being told they were and which was being offered as the explanation for his termination.
I would very much appreciate your advice at your earliest convenience once you have had an opportunity to review the situation and would appreciate your consideration of the possibilities of re-employment of Mr. McKay at the Foundation.
Sincerely,
Terence R.B. Donahoe, Q.C.