Through a Union Lens from Nova Scotia

Federation delegates at the 2025 convention put equity into action in Nova Scotia.

Breaking Barriers: A Historic Shift in Labour Leadership

The Nova Scotia Federation of Labour has made history. At its October 2025 convention, delegates elected two women to its top leadership roles for the first time. Mellisa Marsman is the new President, making her both the first woman and the first person of colour to lead the Federation. Tammy Gillis was elected Secretary-Treasurer, completing a groundbreaking leadership team that reflects a new era of equity and inclusion.

The Nova Scotia Federation of Labour has made history. At its October 2025 convention, delegates elected two women to its top leadership roles for the first time. Mellisa Marsman is the new President, making her both the first woman and the first person of colour to lead the Federation. Tammy Gillis was elected Secretary-Treasurer, completing a groundbreaking leadership team that reflects a new era of equity and inclusion.

This is a decisive moment for the labour movement in Nova Scotia. It is not just a change in names or titles. It represents real progress. For years, the Federation has spoken about fairness, equality, and representation. Now those values are clearly showing in who leads the organization. This is what it means to move from words to action.

Few provincial labour federations in Canada have two women at the top, one of whom is a person of colour. The Nova Scotia Federation of Labour now stands among them, setting an example of what genuine commitment to equality looks like. It proves that when we work with intention, plan for the future, and open doors for everyone, real change can happen.

This milestone did not happen overnight. It took years of effort and vision. Over the past decade, the Federation has made steady progress on women’s equality in the labour movement. From starting the annual Women’s Breakfast on International Women’s Day to fighting for paid domestic violence leave to working side-by-side with women’s centres across the province, the Federations participation in social events not by being active participants at culture events all led to the groundwork for this change.

The election of Mellisa Marsman and Tammy Gillis marks a turning point. It shows that equity in leadership is not just an idea; it is a goal the NSFL has reached. This is a proud moment for working people in Nova Scotia and a strong sign that the labour movement’s future is inclusive, diverse, and united.