As the MLA for Pictou East, Clarrie is fighting for issues of concern to the residents of the constituency from Ardness to Pictou Landing, from East River St. Mary’s to Lorne and all the communities between.

Realizing the importance of business activity to sustainable rural development, Clarrie has been lobbying for rural high-speed internet service, and he will continue to look into innovative options.  Other issues of  importance include consistent road and bridge repairs, locating the pain clinic designated for northern Nova Scotia in New Glasgow, adding value to fishery and wood products, and stemming the out-migration of our young people through innovative concepts to develop and stimulate rural communities. Clarrie is also lobbying for the retention of CAP centres to ensure lower income families have access to educational and communication opportunities.

Before being elected to the Nova Scotia Legislature in the 2006 general election, Clarrie worked in many fields: news media, public relations and in senior positions of both the public and private sectors of the fishing industry. Years ago, he was also a rough neck, worked on a woods crew and sold shoes and mobile homes.

Clarrie has a BA with a Major in Political Science from Mt. Saint Vincent University and a Master of Marine Management from Dalhousie University. He has worked part-time on a PhD in Earth, Oceans and Planetary Science through the University of Cardiff in Wales, UK.  He has also taken courses form St. FX and St. Mary’s universities.

Clarrie lives in Westville with his wife Mary K (MacLellan). They have three grown children and three grandchildren.