Doctors Nova Scotia (DNS) has developed guidelines to help members prepare clear, concise and relevant motions. The association has also developed a new advocacy framework that provides clear guidance on when and how the association engages in advocacy, ensuring actions are timely, proactive and thoughtfully informed.  

Motions deadlines 

The deadline to submit motions requiring amendment to the bylaws is Friday, March 20, 2026. All other motions are due by April 3, 2026. 

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 7. 

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 Friday, April 10, 2026.  

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   

New DNS Advocacy Framework 

Doctors Nova Scotia strives to not only engage in responsive advocacy, but also to be a model for positive change. In recent times, organizational advocacy has become more complex as we navigate an era marked by widespread misinformation and divisive public discourse. Increasingly, DNS members, members of the public and external partners are calling on the association to comment on or engage with issues that are not directly related to the association’s mandate, such as global conflict or broader societal issues. Doctors Nova Scotia recognizes that physicians are well respected in their communities as leaders and change makers. It is important to use this position and privilege as an organization to amplify issues.  

The advocacy framework provides clear guidance on when and how the association engages in advocacy, ensuring actions are timely, proactive, and thoughtfully informed. The framework identifies three types of advocacy:  

• that associated with daily DNS business;  
• advocacy in alignment with the association’s strategic plan; and  
• advocacy not directly linked to DNS’s purpose and strategic priorities  

The framework also outlines guiding principles and decision-making criteria, for responding to matters outside DNS’s core mandate, while maintaining alignment with the association’s purpose, vision and commitment to EDI(R)A.   

Read the full DNS advocacy framework here.