2025 motions

Motions are now being accepted for Doctors Nova Scotia’s 2025 annual general meeting (AGM).

Doctors Nova Scotia (DNS) has developed guidelines to help members prepare clear, concise and relevant motions. 

Motions deadlines

The deadline to submit motions requiring amendment to the bylaws is March 19, 2025. Policy motions are due by April 4, 2025.

AGM motion form

If you are interested in submitting a motion, download the AGM motion form, fill it out and submit the completed form to Charmaine Smith.

Motions review

The Member Motions Committee is responsible for supporting members who want to bring motions to the AGM by:

• Reviewing motion proposals against the considerations outlined in the guidelines.
• Sharing feedback and working with the mover and seconder to ensure their intentions are clear and the motion is positioned to facilitate a constructive and respectful dialogue at the AGM.
• Educating members on the motions process at the AGM.

Motions that require an amendment to the bylaws will also be reviewed by the Governance Committee and the Board of Directors. 

All movers and seconders will be contacted by a member of the Member Motions Committee. 

Motions available to membership

Motions going forward to the AGM will be made available to the membership by May 9, 2025.

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 11, 2025. 

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