Session Presentations:

pdf Presentation #6 Nov 5 3pm Commonwealth Policing Erin Nauss(323 KB)

pdf Presentation # 7 Nov 5 3pm Commonwealth Policing Virginia Brooke(177 KB)

pdf Presentation #8 Engagement Success Stories Comm A 4pm Elspeth McLean Wile(883 KB)

pdf Presentation # 9 Nov 5 4pm Commonwealth Engagement Success Stories Megan Wludyka(5.09 MB)

pdf Presentation # 15 Nov 6 345pm Commonwealth BIG Roger Tatlock(142 KB)

pdf Presentation #17 Nov 6 345 pm Harbour Suites Legal Support Noella Martin(309 KB)

pdf Presentation #21 Nov 7 9am Commonwealth Social Media Patrick Hirtle David Mitchell(2.21 MB)

pdf Presentation #22 Nov 7 9am Tradewinds DEIA Shruti Gola(572 KB)

pdf Presentation #23 nov 7 11am commonwealth mental health david mitchell lisa didiomizio(472 KB)

pdf CRCC Presentation Policing Panel NSFM(528 KB)

pdf Nova Scotia Health AccessWellness Pamphlet(1.69 MB)

pdf Success Stories on Engagement New Glasgow(132 KB)

pdf UBI Councillor Belle Hatfield(240 KB)

Live Illustrations of Sessions:

Fireside Chat with the Honourable Claudia Chender - Video Link

Fireside Chat with the Honourable John A. MacDonald - Video Link

Governance and Oversight in Nova Scotia Policing - Video Link

Keynote - One Peace Won't Hurt - Video Link

Municipal Success Stories Engagement that Works - Video Link

NSFM Emerging Issues - Video Link

NSFM’s Monthly Lunch & Learn Series

 

MARCH 2026

NSFM Lunch and Learn - 2025 Nova Scotia Mental Wellness Survey

Explored early insights from the 2025 Nova Scotia Mental Wellness Survey, drawing on over 13,000 responses from communities across Nova Scotia.

In this session, they shared key findings, discussed what they could mean for municipalities, and explored how this data can support planning at the local level. They also introduced their upcoming project and highlight opportunities to get involved.

Members were able to join the conversation on using data and shared knowledge to support mental wellness in communities across Nova Scotia.

WellNS Research (WellNS) is an interdisciplinary team of researchers working to advance mental wellness and substance use health in Nova Scotia. The team conducts population-level, evidence-informed research to examine trends in mental wellness and needs across communities over time.

WellNS’s mandate is to generate and analyze data on mental wellness across geographic, demographic, and social dimensions. This evidence supports policy development, program planning, service design, workforce development, and the ongoing evolution of needs-based planning for mental health and substance use health in Nova Scotia.

WellNS’s work is carried out through collaborative research, strategic partnerships, and sustained community engagement, ensuring the data produced is relevant, credible, and responsive to the needs of communities and decision-makers. 

Event Details:

• Date: Thursday, March 12
• Time: 2:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Guest Speakers:

Rebecca Todd Research Project Community Coordinator, CBU School of Nursing
Jenna MacQueen Research Manager, Nova Scotia Health's Research Innovation and Discovery

 To view Webinar (Click Here)

 

FEBRUARY 2026

Integrating Meaningful Access from the Ground Up: Strategies for Preconstruction

This session explored how to embed meaningful access into new construction projects from the outset. Using the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification™ (RHFAC) program as a framework, they discussed practical strategies for navigating complex design and development processes – including stakeholder alignment, legislative requirements, site constraints, and budget pressures. 

Event Details:

• Date: Wednesday, February 18
• Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM AST

Guest Speakers:

Uli Egger Sr. Specialist, Strategic Partnerships & Outreach Rick Hansen Foundation
Henry Chen Principal Architect Hygge Architecture

To view Webinar (Click Here)

 

JANUARY 2026

Advancing DEIA: Tailoring your Approach to Fit your Municipality

This Lunch & Learn session explored how municipalities can advance Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) in ways that reflect their unique communities. Led by Shruti Gola Taraschi-Carr, Director of Race Relations, Equity, and Inclusion (secondment, Office of Equity and Race Relations), the session outlined key legal rights and responsibilities under the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act and highlighted practical approaches to building on existing DEIA efforts. Participants gained insight into assessing diversity at the council table and how targeted DEIA training can strengthen confidence when engaging with diverse community voices.

Event Details:

• Date: Wednesday, January 14
• Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM AST

Guest Speakers:

Shruti Gola Taraschi-Carr Director, Race Relations, Equity and Inclusion Office of Equity and Anti-Racism
Luke Power Director of Community Engagement & Evaluation Office of Equity and Anti-Racism

To view Webinar (Click Here) 

 

NOVEMBER - 2025

Nova Scotia's Air: What We Do and Why it is Important - Department of Environment and Climate Change

This presentation covered the province's activities with respect to monitoring and regulation, including in response to the recent Long Lake wildfire, and looked at plans for future air quality protection. The Department covered:

• Air quality and health (general/new standards/touching on planning)
• Air quality monitoring (Nova Scotia monitoring stations)
• Air quality and wildfire response
• General – what we do in the Air Quality Unit (monitoring/regulation)

Event Details:

• Date: Wednesday, November 19
• Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM AST

Guest Speaker:

Dr. Christina Wells
Air Quality Manager Department of Environment and Climate Change, Province of Nova Scotia

To view Webinar (Click Here) 

 

OCTOBER - 2025

Harassment in the Workplace Regulations - The Safety Branch of Nova Scotia Labour, Skills and Immigration

The Safety Branch of Nova Scotia Labour, Skills and Immigration were pleased to work with The Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities to provide members with an informative webinar on the new Harassment in the Workplace regulations, which came into effect on September 1, 2025.

Event Details:

• Date: Wednesday, October 22
• Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Guest Speaker:

Eve Webster
Senior Director, Compliance and Inspection Services Labour, Skills & Immigration - Safety Branch

To view Webinar (Click Here) and to view the Presentation (Click Here)

 

NSFM Lunch and Learn with Nova Scotia Power - Renewable Energy and Nova Scotia's Path to 2030

We’re on a path to building a cleaner, greener energy future for our province. It’s why we’re moving off coal and working to reach 80% renewable energy by 2030. Like any goal worth striving for, there is a lot to consider. It’s critical that we listen to and engage with our customers, stakeholders, and communities across the province as we work to build a greener Nova Scotia, together. 

Event Details:

• Date: Wednesday, October 8
• Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Members were able to join NSFM in welcoming Nova Scotia Power, your 2025 Conference Presenting Sponsor, on October 8th. 

Guest Speakers:

Martin Rovers
Project Director, Clean Energy Strategy Nova Scotia Power
Emily MacNeil
Senior Manager, Government Relations Nova Scotia Power 

 

JULY - 2025

Community Health Boards (CHB) Launch New Five-Year Plan

Staff supporting Nova Scotia’s 35 CHB were excited to share highlights from their newly released Community Health Plans for 2025–2029. Developed with input from over 6,700 Nova Scotians, the plans outline five key priorities:

• Access to affordable basics (food, housing, transportation)
• Active living and social connection
• Healthy natural and built environments
• Local access to services and supports
• Mental wellness

Members were able to join the CHB team for a virtual overview and learn how municipalities can support healthier, more connected communities.

• Wednesday, July 16
• 12:00–1:00 PM ADT

To view Webinar (Click Here)

 

JUNE - 2025

Deer Governance in Nova Scotia

Members were able to join Tricia Fleming, Human-Wildlife Coexistence Biologist with the Department of Natural Resources, for an overview of deer-related issues facing municipalities.

The session covered key topics including deer biology and behaviour, human-deer conflict, and strategies for developing a municipal deer governance approach. Participants also learned about the respective roles of DNR and municipalities, data collection and management options, and where to find useful, NS-specific resources. This free one-hour online session was designed to help elected officials and staff better understand the tools and partnerships available to support effective local deer management. Tricia has been working in this role since December 2021 and is also a wildlife veterinarian.

Note: This session was not recorded by request of the Department

• June 18 @ 12 Noon

 

MAY - 2025

We kicked off our new monthly Lunch & Learn virtual sessions with Trade Shifts and Economic Outlook, a follow-up to our popular March session with CIBC Economist Andrew Grantham.

Andrew provided an update on the changing US trade environment, President Trump’s tariff policies, and the implications for Canada and Nova Scotia. He also discussed rising recession risks both globally and in North America, expected monetary and fiscal policy responses, and whether there is any positive outlook for our local economy amid these shifts.

To view Webinar (Click Here).

This was the first of many Lunch & Learn virtual sessions from NSFM — stay tuned for more!

April 30 – May 2 at the Inn on Prince, Truro

The NSFM 2025 Spring Conference will be held at the Inn on Prince in Truro, NS, from April 30^th– May 2^nd. The planning committee is diligently working on an interesting and informative program for you. Watch the Monday Memo for updates as the program gets confirmed. We look forward to hosting you in Truro. The event will begin in the afternoon of April 30^th with optional site tours and conclude by noon on May 2^nd. The official opening will be the morning of May 1^st.

The room block is open for booking at the Inn on Prince. Room rate of $139 ++ s/d 902-895-1651

Please indicate you are booking into the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities room block.

When the Inn on Prince is full, there is also a block of rooms at the Best Western Glengarry. Room rate of $169 ++ s/d 902-893-4311 or booking link: Click Here

Conversations with Nova Scotia’s Municipal Leaders

Welcome to NSFM’s podcast series, where we bring you exclusive interviews with Mayors and Wardens from across Nova Scotia. Recorded during the 2024 Fall Conference, these candid conversations provide insights into the challenges, opportunities, and successes of municipal leadership.

🎙️ Why Listen?

• Discover the stories behind the decisions shaping our communities.
• Gain valuable perspectives on municipal governance and leadership.
• Celebrate the voices of local leaders driving meaningful change.

🎧 Listen Now
Our first episode, featuring Pam Mood, Mayor Town of Yarmouth, and NSFM President is live! Listen to Episode 1

📅 All Episodes

Episode 2 - Jim Ryan - Mayor Town of Pictou Listen Here

Episode 3 - Cathy Hinton - Mayor Town of Truro Listen Here

Episode  4 - Rod Gilroy - Municipality of the County of Cumberland Listen Here

Episode  5 - Nancy Dicks - Mayor Town of New Glasgow Listen Here

Episode  6 - Cecil Clarke - Mayor CBRM Listen Here

Episode  7 - David Mitchell - Mayor Town of Bridgewater Listen Here

Episode 8 - Linda Gregory - Warden of the Municipality of the District of Digby Listen Here

Episode 9 - Mike Trinacty - Mayor of the Town of Berwick Listen Here

Episode 10 - James Fuller - Warden Municipality of the District of St. Mary's Listen Here

Explore More
Discover the work NSFM does to support municipalities across Nova Scotia. Learn more about NSFM here.