Patricia’s March Message
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!! I trust this finds you all making the most of the nice weather and exercising patience on the colder days!!When we thought the snows of February would never stop, we swing into the month of March, a month of beginnings. We anxiously look for some easement of weather as the shift from winter to spring begins to move. March is a month of renewal, of transition, and most notably, hope. March brings us some days of celebration, whether you are Irish or not, and a chance to be silly. Daylight Savings has made an appearance, giving us added light as well as religious observances and days of awareness…March is full of surprises, a welcome reprieve and hope for spring. While we watch for the play out of the weather adage, “in like a lion, out like a lamb” we enjoy the changes March brings and the light of spring. Regardless of how you celebrate March, that happy and optimistic move from winter makes every day a day to enjoy. This is also available on our website at www.nsgrea.ca
Key Messages:
E-Transfers can once again be accepted without a security question and response. The email address to use is
Just a gentle reminder that we have only received fees from 46% of you. We look forward to receiving your fees via Cheque, Money Order or E-Transfer at your earliest convenience.
This Is my second ‘Message’ to you all. I would like to thank those of you who provided positive feedback on my first message. I am aware some of you received a ‘brick’ of text which was not my intention!! Hopefully this will arrive in a more readable format!
In this update I will be addressing:
The status of the seven Constitutional Resolutions,
Our anticipated new website,
Strategic Planning update and
Pension and Benefits update.
The following are the Seven Constitutional Resolutions from Convention 2025 and the one Regular Resolution which was approved.
Constitution Resolution #1 – Addition of Communications Position on the NSGREA Provincial Executive Carried – Communication Officer, Valerie Bobyk is in place and sits on the Provincial Executive
Constitution Resolution #2 – Immediate Past President will be a non-voting member of the Executive with a maximum term of one (1) year.
Defeated – Past Presidents can sit on Executives indefinitely. The Provincial Executive will not have a Past President on the Provincial Executive until at least September 2028.
Constitution Resolution #3 – Regional Presidents’ Honoraria Carried – Considering gift cards
Constitution Resolution #4 – Removing Complaint/Grievance Process from Constitution
Carried – This Article has been removed from the 2026 version of the NSGREA Constitution Pension and Benefits, Strategic Planning and Resolutions Currently in place. More to be added as capacity allows.
Constitution Resolution #6 – Head Office Accessibility
Carried – Once we have received the bulk of 2026 membership fees, we will initiate a search for new accessible office space. Currently 40% have paid their 2026 fees.
Constitution Resolution #7 – Rules of Order
Carried – Roberts Rules of Order are in place and noted in the 2026 version of the Constitution and Bylaws now posted on our website.
General Resolution #1 – NSGREA Membership Fee Increase to $35.00. Carried – This increase has been implemented for Membership Fees in 2026.
Website Update:
We are anticipating launching our new website in June. It will be more user friendly and easy to navigate. It will have interactive capabilities so you can renew your Membership and register for the Convention online. If you use E-Transfers to pay for these, there will be no hard copy to complete and nothing to send into the office.
We will be making a big announcement about this so stay tuned!!
Strategic Planning:
The Strategic Planning Committee has been struck. Members include: Kathleen Bugbee – Chair
Don Goss – Secretary Paula Withrow Cameron MacNeil
Patricia Murray – Ex-Officio
The Committee has drawn up a draft Mission, Vision and Values statement and a skeleton development plan. We will be sharing this document with you in April and seeking your input through a questionnaire and personal conversations if requested. You can call the office at 602 865-5050 or toll free at 1 800-677-8666 to schedule a time.
Pension and Benefits Update
Please check the website at www.nsgrea.ca for an update on the meaning of the 2.61% increase and what it looks like over the five years of its implementation.