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The 48th NSNU AGM, which took place in Truro April 14-17, was a fast paced and energetic event with close to 300 participants crowding the meeting spaces and dining rooms of the Glengarry Hotel.
The AGM provided an opportunity for members to review constitutional language and, through the Resolution process, enact change and introduce articles to better
serve union members and the organization. In all, twelve resolutions were debated and voted on.
The outcomes of those debates can be found online at nsnu.ca/MembersOnly. Select the AGM 2025 tab in the dropdown menu, then Resolutions. All Resolutions were carried, none were defeated.
Once again, union leaders and labour representatives from across the province and Canada took part, including the dynamic Linda Silas, president of the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions.
The Minister of Health and Wellness, the Honorable Michelle Thompson, and Premier Tim Houston paid a visit to bring greetings from the province and hear from
President Hazelton and our members on issues of concern for nurses.
Thank you to our friends from the NSFL, CLC, WCC and NSHC for taking the time to contribute to our discussions.
Elections were held for the Western Zone and LPN Component. Alaine Halliday was returned as the VP of LPNs and Tracy d’Entremont won the Western VP election. Thank you to all who reoffered or put their names forward for the election process.
A highlight of the event was a presentation from the parents of Caleb MacArthur who passed at the tender age of four from Stage 4 High Risk Neuroblastoma. His dedicated parents, Nicole and Mike, celebrate his life, love, & legacy through a foundation they created, Caleb’s Courage.
In 2015, Caleb’s Courage was lovingly founded to support critically ill children and their families in Cape Breton. Their mission – Helping little superheroes fighting BIG battles.
NSNU members were moved to tears, and to act following the Caleb’s Courage presentation. One by one, AGM attendees went to microphones to pledge funds on behalf of their Locals donating close to 27k in total to the foundation. It was inspiring.
The NSNU Charity Draw and 50/50 Draws raised $4763.00 in support of Marguerite Centre and Hope House. Thank you to all who bought tickets.
Members did not disappoint as they dressed in their best 1950s Sock Hop retro attire. It was a blast from the past. Of note, longtime NSNU activists and leaders, Janis Ritcey and Jo Anne Allen received NSNU Honorary Member distinctions for their service to the Union and nurses in Nova Scotia. Congratulations to Janis and Jo Anne.
Education Day
NSNU welcomed speakers offering a broad spectrum of topics on Education Day.
JD Gilmour, a PEI resident and an international consultant on psychological occupational risk presented on the overlooked emotional hazards of working in a helping profession.
That session was followed by a panel discussion on nursing safety. Led by Janet Hazelton, the panel featured Karen Adams, CEO of WCB, Dr. Kevin Kelloway, a Professor of Organizational Psychology at Saint Mary’s University, Heather Matthews, NSNU OH&S Advisor, and Rachel Barbour, Office of the Worker Counsellor Representative.
The afternoon kicked off with Jim Yih who delivered education on achieving financially stability in a light and approachable manner. The day ended in laughter as nurse-comedian, Zabrina Douglas brought her brand of nurse humour to the stage.
Another highpoint of the AGM is the announcement of the scholarship and grant recipients. The winners are as follows:
- belairdirect Grant of $1000 - Ashley Rumley
- NSNU Continuing Education Scholarship of $2000 - Latitia Pelley-George
- NSNU Degree/Diploma Scholarship of $2000 - Cary-Ann MacKenzie
- NSNU Delores Chase Scholarship of $2000 - Angela Piche
- NSNU Family Scholarship of $2000 for a nursing degree student - Ellie McClean. Her mother is Roxanne Carli-McClean
- NSNU Family Scholarship of $2000 for an LPN student - Ashley Bowen. Her mother is Charlene Bowen
- CFNU Annual Scholarship of $1000 - Lacey Risser
- The Elizabeth and Brittany MacPherson Annual Scholarship of $1000 - Juliana Kirby
Congratulations to all our winners. We wish them the best in their studies.
Thank you to all AGM and Education Day attendees for your commitment and interest in the labour movement, your dedication to fighting for nurses’ rights, and for your passion for the nursing profession. NSNU thanks those who completed event evaluations. That feedback allows NSNU staff and Committees to better prepare things to come.
For photos, please view pgs 8-12 in the Newsletter file.
