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Only the third executive director to ever grace the halls of the NSNU in its forty-three years, Jean Candy decided in June of 2018 it was time to put an end to the oftentimes brutal trek from Windsor, Nova Scotia (her homestead for a menagerie of dogs, horses, cats and people) to the busy metropolis of Burnside. Her retirement would be the final chapter in her long and assorted relationship with the Nova Scotia Nurses’ Union.
The Magazine Hill was the bane of her existence; a commute that she, like so many others, dreaded - particularly in the winter. Day in and day out, her diesel-fueled Volkswagens (there were a few over the years) reliably delivered Jean to Queen Street in Dartmouth, then 30 Frazee Avenue, and finally to the new digs on 150 Garland Avenue.
Born in Ottawa and raised in several locales including Downsview, Trenton, Salisbury (England) and St. Bruno, Quebec, the self-professed air force brat often moved with her parents and siblings, Jill and Rob, gaining an appreciation for travel and culture.
Once settled in Atlantic Canada, she eventually pursued a career in nursing that was gratifying, and which led her down unexpected paths towards union activism. Even though she possessed an incredible penchant and talent for all things artistic, and a deep love of animals (particularly of the canine variety), it was health care that called her name.
“I initially didn’t choose nursing but applied for a teaching degree. I changed my mind at the last minute and was fortunately accepted at the Grace in St John’s NL. That last-minute decision was serendipitous, and I never regretted it as I had an interesting and varied career that I loved for over twenty years,” says Jean.
Her first job was at the IWK, a “non-union” stronghold. As a newly-minted nurse she witnessed, and experienced firsthand, things that did not sit well with her, prompting her to send a letter to the newly formed NSNU in 1976 requesting union information. She then set about distributing union pamphlets on her unit. She was promptly warned to get rid of the union propaganda if she wanted to keep her job – that was the spark that ignited the union activist within her.
A few years later she accepted a job at Camp Hill Hospital. That’s when her interest in the union became a commitment, thus leading to her first position as a local executive. Much to her surprise and right out of the gate, she was elected president of what was then the largest NSNU local.
Feeling over her head in new and turbulent waters, this fledgling advocate began her foray into labour activism and union solidarity, in spite of her conservative, right-leaning upbringing.
The turning point came in 1991 when, as a new Board member, she was supported by her colleagues at the NSNU to attend the Governor General’s Canadian Study Conference. There she was inspired by the many community and political leaders she felt privileged to meet during the tour. NSNU leadership and staff continued to encourage and inspire her as 1st and 2nd Vice President on the Board of Directors. The logical and natural next step was to continue as NSNU President, which she did in 1996.
A runoff vote at Camp Hill in 1996 ended with the membership at that facility joining the NSGEU, making Jean ineligible to sit as president of the NSNU. She was then hired by the NSNU, so began her ten-year career as a Labour Relations Representative. In 2006, Jean became the Executive Director of the NSNU, a position she proudly but humbly adds to her list of union-related accomplishments.
“Being part of this Union as both member and staff, I’m proud to say that there is never an accomplishment that is made by just one person but instead, it is the result of many working together to achieve a goal. NSNU has had many accomplishments to be proud of and I am positive there will be many more to come.”
Her hopes for the future of the Nurses’ Union are that it maintains its strong identity as a Union with vision, commitment and integrity, and that the leadership at all levels continue to encourage others who show that spark and support them along their path.
She will continue to cheer for us on the sidelines, in her retirement.
“My favourite saying is, it is what it is. But in my retirement, I hope for more adventures in experimenting with art, watching and reading good murder mysteries, some travel, and lots of volunteering and fundraising for animal rescues.”
For the record, it was Jean Candy who coined our mission statement: Courage to Lead, Confidence to Challenge, Commitment to Care. These words embody what she stood for while dedicated to the advancement of the NSNU. For her service, her incredible wit, and love of the nursing profession, we are eternally grateful.
Congratulations Jean. All the best in your long and happy retirement.
