NSTU’s 100th Annual Council wraps up in Halifax

October 3, 2021

NSTU’s 100th Annual Council wraps up in Halifax

(Halifax-Kjipuktuk, NS) The 100th Annual Council of the Nova Scotia Teachers Union wrapped up this morning after three days of collaboration and debate about how to strengthen quality public education across the province.

To combat systemic racism and meet the unique and complex needs of members who are Black, Indigenous and racialized, NSTU delegates established a new executive staff officer position. The resolution was drafted following extensive consultation with, and led by, African Nova Scotian, Indigenous and racialized teachers and specialists.

The objectives of this new position developed through consultation and debate at council include: increasing access to supports to help deal with the trauma of negative lived experiences related to racism and ensuring the NSTU has a person dedicated to addressing issues of racism and discrimination and fostering ongoing relationships with African Nova Scotian, Indigenous and other racialized communities across the province. Another important objective is developing clear protocols and reporting mechanisms to address issues of racism affecting teachers.

“Addressing these issues through the establishment of a staff officer position will help create more inclusivity and diversity within our union,” says NSTU president Paul Wozney. “It’s crucial that Nova Scotia’s teachers set a strong example to students by leading the charge to dismantle systemic racism in our province. The creation of this position will increase the diversity of voices at the NSTU, while helping ensure NSTU decisions reflect the realities faced by Black, Indigenous and racialized teachers and specialists.”

The annual meeting wrapped up today in Halifax. From October 1st to October 3rd, 227 voting delegates debated some 112 resolutions. All delegates in attendance were required to be fully vaccinated and masks were mandatory inside the council chamber.