Login Members Only
On March 6, the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour observed International Women’s Day (IWD) with its 11th annual breakfast celebration. The NSFL Women’s Committee, including Chair Donna Gillis, NSNU’s 1st Vice-President, and Natalie Nymark, VP IWK, presented an informative and impactful agenda to mark the occasion.
For the second year, the NSFL Women’s Committee conferred two Bread and Roses Awards. The New Sister of the Year Award, introduced at the 2025 IWD Breakfast, recognizes a sister who is new to union activism and has already made a meaningful impact.
This year’s recipient, Carolynn MacLeod, was honoured for her contributions to the labour movement through her active involvement with CUPE.
The Sister of the Year Award celebrates a union sister who has demonstrated a deep commitment to the trade union movement and to advancing women’s voices.
The 2026 recipient is NSNU’s very own Kim Williams, Vice-President Community Care. Presented by her colleagues on the NSNU Board of Directors, Donna Gillis and Natalie Nymark spoke to Kim’s compassion, dedication and tireless advocacy – both as a friend and as a labour leader representing members in the community sector.
Kim is a fierce advocate for community care members, continually working to ensure their voices are heard and that they have the protections and supports they need to do their jobs safely. Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to solidarity, fairness and ensuring that every nurse has the ability to provide care and make it home safely at the end of the day.
Attendees at the sold-out event heard from keynote speaker Chanda MacDonald, RN and NSNU member. Chanda shared her experience on both sides of the healthcare system as a nurse-mom and discussed navigating return to work policies after facing personal adversity with compassion and resilience.
Attendees at the sold-out event were inspired by keynote speaker Chanda MacDonald, RN and NSNU member. Chanda shared her unique perspective on both sides of the health-care system as a nurse-mom. She reflected on her personal journey and the challenges of returning to work after adversity. Her talk highlighted the importance of compassion, resilience and supportive workplace policies in helping nurses thrive both professionally and personally.
Thank you to the Women’s Committee and NSFL staff for organizing such a successful and meaningful event.
