2025 motions
President-elect
Members will be asked to approve Dr. Amanda MacDonald Green as President-elect for 2025–26. She is a family physician who practices in Windsor, Nova Scotia. In addition to serving two terms on the Doctors Nova Scotia Board she was the Board's representative on the Policy and Health Issues Committee. Dr. MacDonald Green is an active member of the Section of Physician Leaders and she has completed several formal leadership programs. She is a strong advocate for medical learners and she has supported the association in working to reduce physician administrative burden. Learn more
Bylaw revisions
Clarifying language for Board elections
There are 10 elected members-at-large on the Board, five general practitioners and five licensed specialists. It is recommended that “general practitioners” be changed to “family physicians, including those with a Certificate of Added Competence” to ensure family physicians working in specialty roles are included. This will require revisions to Section 9.5(h)(i) and (ii) of the bylaws.
Adding a new Standing Committee of the Board
The Awards Committee has been operating as a standing committee of the Board, but the bylaws haven’t been updated to reflect that. It is recommended that Section 14.6 of the bylaws be revised to add “(h) Awards Committee” to the list of standing committees.
New Sections
Section of Bariatric Physicians and Surgeons
Obesity is a chronic disease with a complex interplay of genetic, environmental and behavioural factors, contributing to significant comorbidities such as Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension and sleep apnea. The incidence of obesity has been steadily rising in Nova Scotia and nationwide, necessitating a comprehensive and unified approach to care.
Given the growing need for specialized management of obesity, the formation of the Bariatric Physicians and Surgeons Section will provide an essential platform within DNS for collaboration, education and advocacy, addressing the needs of both physicians and patients alike. Learn more
Section of Occupational Medicine
Occupational medicine plays a critical role in the prevention, treatment and management of work-related injuries and illnesses. A dedicated Section of Occupational Medicine would bring together family physicians and specialists working in various settings. These include physicians working with organizations such as the Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Health Canada, the Enhanced Physician Services program, Occupational Fitness Medical assessment providers, and various private industries and employers that have their own occupational health programs. Learn more
Member Dues Decrease
The Audit Committee is recommending a reduction in dues for non-resident licensed and unlicensed members. Doctors Nova Scotia currently charges members of these groups $500 per year. A review of the other provincial and territorial medical associations shows that DNS charges the highest rate for this category of membership.
To better align with the other provinces, it is recommended that dues for both categories be reduced from $500 to $250 per year. The setting of dues must be approved at the AGM. Dues for non-resident (that is, out-of-province) resident/fellow members will remain $50 per year. Learn more
Family medicine as a specialty
A member has submitted a motion to seek support for Doctors Nova Scotia to formally recognize family medicine as a specialty.
There is increasing awareness of the critical role served by family physicians in both the health of patients and communities as well as the efficacy of the health-care system at large. A formal recognition as a unique medical specialty will further bolster the profile of the profession and demonstrate to the DNS membership that the value of family medicine is recognized at an organizational level. Learn more
This is a member motion that asks the DNS Board to take a position, develop a policy or advocate for something. This is not being submitted by the association.
Rules of Order change
Starting in 2025, the rules of order for debating member motions at the AGM have been simplified. This is to ensure the process is easy to understand and give everyone an equal opportunity to participate to the degree possible.
These changes involve relaxing some of the rigid procedural rules to allow the group to debate and consider amendments or details without the same time constraints and strict rules of the formal assembly.
Read more in the Rules of Order.
Implementation of motions
If approved at the AGM, a motion to revise association bylaws 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
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.