2024 motions

An important part of the Doctors Nova Scotia (DNS) annual general meeting (AGM) is the discussion and endorsement of motions that support the association’s work and member interests. The following motions will be discussed at the 2024 DNS AGM on Saturday, June 8.  

President-elect 

Members will be asked to endorse the association’s President-elect for 2024–25, pending the approval of the DNS Board of Directors, which will be asked to endorse the Nominating Committee’s recommended candidate at the May 10 board meeting. If the nominee is endorsed by the Board of Directors, details about the candidate will be shared with the membership in mid-May, prior to the call for endorsement at the AGM. 

By-laws revision: Changing clinical assistants to associate physicians 

The DNS Governance Committee conducted its annual review of the association’s by-laws and is recommending a housekeeping revision. This revision reflects a change made by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia (CPSNS), which, in recognition of their training and their clinical responsibility, now refers to clinical assistants as associate physicians. This change also aligns with the nomenclature used by other jurisdictions in Canada. 

Protecting the health of Palestinians in Gaza 

Drs. Monika Dutt and Suha Masalmeh submitted a motion asking DNS to add its voice to a growing list of medical organizations, including Médecins Sans Frontières, the Canadian Pediatric Society and the World Medical Association, by passing a motion that calls for urgent action to protect the health of Palestinians in Gaza. The proposed motion calls for an end to violence against all civilians in Gaza; freeing Palestinian and Israeli hostages; immediate free passage and delivery of aid into Gaza, including clean water, shelter, food and medical supplies; and protection of all health-care workers and health-care facilities. Learn more

Gender bias in remuneration 

Drs. Leisha Hawker and Robyn MacQuarrie submitted a motion asking DNS to conduct a comprehensive review to identify and address structural gender-based bias in fee codes and physician remuneration. The motion recommends DNS conduct a comprehensive gender-based analysis of fee codes, remuneration methods and pay relativity to identify gender disparities and develop a plan to promote fair and equitable compensation for all physicians. Meaningful change to address this systemic inequity will benefit women in medicine, the medical profession and the care of Nova Scotian women. Learn more

Members' Forum

The Board hosts a Members' Forum as part of the business meeting. This session is an open, informal forum for members to discuss with the DNS Board Executive and senior staff any key activities and issues the member finds interesting and relevant. Guidelines for the Members' Forum include objectives and an outline of the process. Questions may be emailed to Charmaine Smith by April 12. 

Implementation of motions

If approved at the AGM, a motion to revise association bylaws motion will come into effect immediately. All other resolutions approved at the AGM will be reviewed by the Board of Directors in the year following the AGM. 

The Board is responsible for identifying implications and determining the association’s ability to carry out the resolution. The Board will take the following factors into consideration: 

• alignment with the strategic plan and direction 
• financial resources required 
• staff resources required 
• best interests of the association 
• legal implications 
• alignment with best practices in business and governance