Provincial Executive Elections

Regional Elections • Spring 2026

BACKGROUND

NSTU By-Law Article I – Membership sub-article 2. defines eligibility to hold office:

The rights of Active Membership shall include, but not necessarily be limited to the right to vote and hold office at the local and provincial level.

NSTU By-Law Article II – The Council sub-article 1. defines the Provincial Executive as:

The Executive of the Council as described in the Teaching Profession Act shall be the Provincial Executive.

NSTU By-Law Article III – The Provincial Executive sub-article 1. outlines the composition of the Provincial Executive as:

1. COMPOSITION

A.     The composition of the Provincial Executive shall be: the President, the First Vice-President, the Immediate Past-President, twenty-one (21) Regional Members, one (1) African Nova Scotian Member, and one (1) Indigenous Member. African Nova Scotian as self-identified and Indigenous as self-identified.

B.     The number of Regional Members and the regions from which they shall be elected are as follows:

C.     A Provincial Executive Member must be an Active Member of the NSTU.

D.     A Provincial Executive Member shall not concurrently hold office at the Local, Regional, or Professional Association Level.

E.     Pursuant to 1 (b) where some regions elect more than one (1) member, one (1) of the two (2) elected Members shall be designated for an individual from an Equity-Owed group, Equity-Owed as defined in NSTU Operational Procedures. If no Equity-Owed Member(s) offers to run as a candidate in the first round of nominations a subsequent nomination period shall be open to all Active Members.

NSTU By-Law Article III – The Provincial Executive sub-article 8. outlines the duties of the Provincial Executive as:

4. ELECTIONS

A.     The President shall be elected by a majority vote of the entire Active and Reserve Membership following the process outlined in Operational Procedures.

B.     The First Vice-President shall be elected by a majority vote conducted at Annual Council following the process outlined in Operational Procedures.

C.     The Second Vice-President and Secretary-Treasurer shall be elected by the Provincial Executive at a meeting prior to the commencement of the term of office from amongst the Regional Members who will be Members of the Provincial Executive on August 1^st of that year. The election shall be by majority vote.

D.     Regional Members shall be elected by a plurality vote of the entire Active and Reserve Membership of the regions defined in 1. (b), following the process outlined in Operational Procedures.

E.     The African Nova Scotian Member and the Indigenous Member shall be elected by a plurality vote of the entire Active and Reserve membership who self-identify as African Nova Scotian or Indigenous respectively following the process outlined in Operational Procedures.

NSTU By-Law Article III – The Provincial Executive sub-article 8. C. outlines the duties of the Provincial Executive as:

8. DUTIES

C.     The Provincial Executive functions in the name of Council between sessions; it shall perform its duties in a manner that is consistent with the will of Council as expressed through resolutions passed by Council. In addition, the Provincial Executive shall carry out duties imposed specifically by the Teaching Profession Act, these By-Laws, Standing Orders, and Operational Procedures. The Provincial Executive will have, but not necessarily be limited to, carrying out the following duties:

i.     appoint and dismiss an Executive Director and such other paid employees of the Union as it may deem necessary and determine their duties, remuneration, and terms of employment, including bonding;

ii.     provide suitable offices and equipment for carrying on the work of the NSTU;

iii.    direct and supervise the business, property, and affairs of the NSTU between Council meetings, and all decisions that are deemed policy by the Provincial Executive shall be forwarded to the upcoming Council as resolutions;

iv.    determine the place and date and make arrangements for workshops and special Council meetings;

v.     issue a post-Council press release;

vi.    provide assistance with organizing Locals, Regional Representative Councils, and Professional Associations;

vii.   shall ratify constitutions of Locals, Regional Representative Councils, and Professional Associations by following regulations outlined in the NSTU Operational Procedures;

viii.  determine the boundaries of the Locals;

ix.    publish a magazine or other official publications;

x.     cause the books and accounts of the Council to be audited annually by a chartered accountant and cause the report of the auditor to be submitted to Council;

xi.    have the power to convene an emergency meeting of a Local or a meeting of the NSTU Members in a given area; and,

xii.   is empowered to exercise on behalf of the Union, as the Provincial Executive deems advisable from time-to-time, the powers of the Union under the Teachers’ Pension Act and report thereon to the Council at the next following meeting of the Council.

REGIONAL, AFRICAN NOVA SCOTIAN, INDIGENOUS PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE ELECTIONS TO BE HELD IN THE SPRING OF 2026

* Indicates a Region where one (1) of the two (2) elected Members shall be designated for an individual from an Equity-Owed group, Equity-Owed as defined in NSTU Operational Procedures. If no Equity-Owed Member(s) offers to run as a candidate in the first round of nominations a subsequent nomination period shall be open to all Active Members.

DEFINING EQUITY

NSTU Operational Procedure 9. defines equity as:

9. DEFINING EQUITY

In instances where there are references to terms such as Equity-Owed, Equity-Deserving, or Equity-Seeking in NSTU documents these terms are defined as: a traditionally underrepresented in Union Leadership individual who self-identifies as being Mi'kmaw, Wolastoqew, First Nations, Indigenous, Inuit, or Métis; Black, African Nova Scotian, or of African Descent; Acadian; Person of Colour or Racialized; Two-Spirited, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, or additional sexual orientation or gender identity; a person with a Disability; a woman; or an individual from any other group traditionally underrepresented in union positions.

PROCEDURE AND TIMELINE OF ELECTION PROCESS FOR REGIONAL MEMBERS

NSTU Operational Procedure 10 – Election Procedures sub-section B. outlines the voting procedures for Regional Provincial Executive Members as:

B. ELECTIONS/BY-ELECTIONS FOR REGIONAL PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE MEMBERS

I. Notice of Pending Election

A.     Notice of all pending Regional Provincial Executive elections shall be posted on the NSTU website and advertised in an issue of The Teacher at least thirty (30) days prior to the closing of nominations. (Wednesday, January 14, 2026)

B.     Notice of a pending Regional Provincial Executive election shall be sent to NSTU leaders (Local President(s), RRC Chair (if applicable), and Provincial Executive Member(s)) from within the boundaries of the region as defined in NSTU By-Laws Article III – The Provincial Executive at least thirty (30) days prior to the closing of nominations. (Wednesday, January 14, 2026)

C.    Notice shall include the process for nominations.

D.    Notice shall include the requirements regarding Equity-Owed Provincial Executive seats.

II. Nominations

A.     Nominations for the office of Regional Provincial Executive shall be submitted on the official Nomination Form.

B.     The official Nomination Form may be found on the NSTU website.

C.     Individuals may nominate themselves.

D.     A candidate’s Nomination Form must be completed and returned to the Executive Director or designate no later than 4:00 p.m. on the second (2^nd) Friday of February (the closing of nominations). (Friday, February 13, 2026)

E.     In the event that no nominations are received in a given region, the close of nominations shall be extended by four (4) weeks, and notice shall be sent to NSTU leaders from within the boundaries of the region. (Friday, March 13, 2026)

F.     In electoral regions with two (2) Provincial Executive seats, one (1) of the two (2) elected Members shall be designated for an individual from an Equity-Owed group. If no Equity-Owed Member(s) offers to run as a candidate in the first round of nominations a subsequent nomination period shall be open to all Active Members.

III. Campaigning

A.     Campaign guidelines are as set out in NSTU Standing Orders and these Operational Procedures.

B.     Active campaigning for the office of Regional Provincial Executive Member may begin no sooner than the close of nominations.

C.     A one-page (8 ½ x 11) poster will be printed and circulated to NSTU Representatives within the Region by NSTU Central Office upon receipt from a candidate. An electronic copy of the poster shall be circulated, by NSTU Central Office, to members in the region.

D.     If a Local invites candidates to attend a Local meeting or event, the invitation must be extended to all candidates.

E.     Campaign spending by or on behalf of each candidate may not exceed two hundred dollars ($200). Candidates are solely responsible for all campaign spending.

F.     All candidates shall submit an official financial statement report form to the Executive Director or designate within sixty (60) days from the conclusion of the election. This report is to include an itemized list of expenditures.

G.     Suspected violations to these campaign guidelines shall be resolved in the following manner:

i.     suspected violations shall be reported to the Regional Electoral Officer, in a timely manner, for resolution;

ii.    the Regional Electoral Officer will attempt to resolve the issue informally;

iii.   if the Regional Electoral Office is able to resolve the issue informally no further action is required;

iv.   if the Regional Electoral Officer is unable to resolve the issue informally the suspected violation shall be referred to the Executive Director or designate for resolution;

v.    the Executive Director or designate will attempt to resolve the issue informally;

vi.   if the Executive Director or designate is able to resolve the issue informally no further action is required;

vii.  if the Executive Director or designate cannot resolve the issue informally the Executive Director or designate shall make a ruling and inform candidates and the Regional Electoral Officer regarding this ruling, the ruling shall be final; and,

viii. rulings may include but are not necessarily limited to:

1.     a written warning,

2.     a notice of censure to other candidates,

3.     a public notice of censure to the membership, or

4.     removal from ballot.

IV. Voting Day

A.     The voting day shall be the third (3^rd) Wednesday in April. (Wednesday, April 15, 2026)

PROCEDURE AND TIMELINE OF ELECTION PROCESS FOR AFRICAN NOVA SCOTIAN AND INDIGENOUS MEMBERS

NSTU Operational Procedure 10 – Election Procedures sub-section C outlines the voting procedures for Regional Provincial Executive Members as:

C. Elections/By-Elections for African Nova Scotian and Indigenous Provincial Executive Members

I. Notice of Pending Election

A.     Notice of pending African Nova Scotian and Indigenous Provincial Executive election(s) shall be posted on the NSTU website and advertised in an issue of The Teacher at least thirty (30) days prior to the closing of nominations. (Wednesday, January 14, 2026)

B.     Notice of pending African Nova Scotian and Indigenous Provincial Executive election(s) shall be sent to NSTU leaders (Local Presidents, RRC Chairs, and Provincial Executive Members) at least thirty (30) days prior to the closing of nominations. (Wednesday, January 14, 2026)

C.     Notice shall include the process for nominations.

II. Nominations

A.     Nominations for the office of African Nova Scotian and Indigenous Provincial Executive shall be submitted on the official Nomination Form.

B.     For the African Nova Scotian Provincial Executive position, nominations are open to individuals who self-identify as being African Nova Scotian. For the Indigenous Provincial Executive position, nominations are open to individual who self-identify as being Mi'kmaw, Wolastoqew First Nations, Indigenous, Inuit, or Métis.

C.     The official Nomination Form may be found on the NSTU website.

D.     Individuals may nominate themselves.

E.     A candidate’s Nomination Form must be completed and returned to the Executive Director or designate no later than 4:00 p.m. on the second (2^nd) Friday of February (the closing of nominations). (Friday, February 13, 2026)

F.     In the event that no nominations are received, the close of nominations shall be extended by four (4) weeks, and notice shall be resent to NSTU leaders. (Friday, March 13, 2026)

III. Campaigning

A.     Campaign guidelines are as set out in NSTU Standing Orders and these Operational Procedures.

B.     Active campaigning for the office of African Nova Scotian and Indigenous Provincial Executive Member may begin no sooner than the close of nominations.

C.     A one-page (8 ½ x 11) poster will be circulated electronically to NSTU Representatives by NSTU Central Office upon receipt from a candidate. An electronic copy of the poster shall be circulated, by NSTU Central Office, to members.

D.     If a Local invites candidates to attend a Local meeting or event, the invitation must be extended to all candidates.

E.     Campaign spending by or on behalf of each candidate may not exceed two hundred dollars ($200). Candidates are solely responsible for all campaign spending.

F.     All candidates shall submit an official financial statement report form to the Executive Director or designate within sixty (60) days from the conclusion of the election. This report is to include an itemized list of expenditures.

G.     In cases where a vote is required a virtual All Candidates Forum shall be organized by the NSTU in the following manner:

i.     The Forum shall take place at least one (1) week prior to Voting Day at a time selected by the Table Officers.

ii.    The Forum shall consist of seven (7) minute presentations by each Candidate followed by a question-and-answer period of up to thirty (30) minutes. Candidates will be offered up to two (2) minutes each to provide an answer to questions. Candidates will alternate turns in answering questions.

iii.    The order of the Candidates’ presentations shall be chosen by lots.

iv.    The Forum will be moderated by the Regional Electoral Officer. The Regional Electoral Officer may extend the question-and-answer period at their sole discretion.

H.     Suspected violations to these campaign guidelines shall be resolved in the following manner:

i.     suspected violations shall be reported to the Regional Electoral Officer, in a timely manner, for resolution;

ii.     the Regional Electoral Officer will attempt to resolve the issue informally;

iii.    if the Regional Electoral Office is able to resolve the issue informally no further action is required;

iv.    if the Regional Electoral Officer is unable to resolve the issue informally the suspected violation shall be referred to the Executive Director or designate for resolution;

v.     the Executive Director or designate will attempt to resolve the issue informally;

vi.    if the Executive Director or designate is able to resolve the issue informally no further action is required;

vii.   if the Executive Director or designate cannot resolve the issue informally the Executive Director or designate shall make a ruling and inform candidates and the Regional Electoral Officer regarding this ruling, the ruling shall be final; and,

viii.  rulings may include but are not necessarily limited to:

1.     a written warning,

2.     a notice of censure to other candidates,

3.     a public notice of censure to the membership, or

4.     removal from ballot.

IV. Voting Day

A.     The voting day shall be the third (3^rd) Wednesday in April. (Wednesday, April 15, 2026)

B.     The Regional Electoral Officer shall be the NSTU First Vice-President or designate as selected by the Table Officers.

NOMINATIONS

Nomination Form

Confirmation of receipt of the Nomination Form will be emailed to the Candidate upon submission. Candidates will be contacted soon after the close of nominations regarding election procedures.

CONTACT PERSON

For further information regarding the 2026 Regional Provincial Executive Elections, contact Louis Robitaille, Executive Staff Officer Research, Governance, and Policy via email at lrobitaille@staff.nstu.ca, or call 902-477-5621 (toll-free 1-800-565-6788).