Dear Members,
As we move forward into another dynamic year, I am thrilled to reflect on a remarkably successful period of collective growth, member engagement, and community advocacy. From packed stadium stands and regional training to critical workplace advocacy—including our recent Workforce Adjustment (WFA) sessions and local rallies—our Branch continues to grow more connected and deeply committed to serving you.
You can find the complete, detailed breakdown of all our activities, guest speakers, and executive meetings by reading the full President’s report.
Key Highlights at a Glance
● Building Solidarity: We hosted a robust social and professional calendar, featuring family-friendly outings, a historic first annual Labour Day Parade and BBQ, and high-profile visits from both regional and national leadership.
● Training & Representation: Our Branch ensured your voice was heard loud and clear by sending strong delegations to the National AGM in Toronto as well as the Atlantic Regional Councils in Fredericton and right here in Halifax.
● Community & New Initiatives:
Alongside raising $650 for the PIPSC Legacy Foundation and marching with local unions, we launched new steward recruitment campaigns and flagship recognition awards. Congratulations to Chris Coghlin, our inaugural Steward of the Year and Executive of the Year. Congratulations to Lori Thistle, first recipient of Executive of the Year.
● Strategic Alliances: We have proactively strengthened our local leadership networks and established a powerful multi-union public service taskforce with our brothers and sisters at PSAC and CAPE.
Thank you to our hard-working Executive team and to every member who participated, stepped up for training, or supported a colleague this past year. You are what makes our Branch so vibrant and resilient.
In solidarity,
Hashem Abou-Shahla
President, Halifax Branch
Meet Your PIPSC Halifax Stewards
A steward is a trained PIPSC member who volunteers their time to support, guide, and represent colleagues in the workplace.
Our Branch by the Numbers
● Total Members: 1,717
● Active Stewards: 43
● Stewards-in-Waiting: 5 (Approved members who will complete their upcoming training soon)
Group Members Stewards % are stewards ~1 steward per member:
AFS 403 15 3.72% 27
CFIA-IN 3 0.00%
CFIA-S&A 44 2 4.55% 22
CFIA-VM 6 1 16.67% 6
CP 219 2 0.91% 110
IT 331 4 1.21% 83
NFB-PG 1 0.00%
NR 95 0.00%
NRC-IS 3 0.00%
NRC-RO-RCO 44 1 2.27% 44
RE 62 1 1.61% 62
SH 88 10 11.36% 9
SP 418 7 1.67% 60
Total Result 1717 43 2.50% 40
Note: These statistics only represent the Halifax Branch. Your group may have more stewards but they may fall under Halifax DND Branch.
Training Update
As a quick FYI, the next Steward Training School takes place right here in Halifax this September. Some of our stewards-in-waiting will be attending this session to complete their official training and join the active roster!
Need a Steward?
● First Step: You must register on the PIPSC website to request official steward assistance.
● No local representative? Reach out to any active Halifax branch steward for help.
Become a Steward
Want to join the team and make a difference in your workplace?
● Learn more on the PIPSC Become a Steward page.
● Connect directly with Halifax branch member Greg Hues at greg.hues@pipsc.ca for personal guidance.
Halifax Thunderbirds Game Night Brings Members Together!
On April 18, 2026, 34 Halifax Branch members, along with their families and friends, came together for an exciting night out at the Scotiabank Centre to watch the Halifax Thunderbirds take on the Ottawa Black Bears.
This action packed, family-friendly event was well attended with 110 tickets sold. Many members shared that this has become a valued annual tradition—something the Branch will consider for event planning for next year..
Thank you to everyone who attended, provided feedback and helped make this event a success.
️ Atlantic Regional Council Highlights
The Atlantic Regional Council took place in Halifax on May 22 and 23. According to the regional by-laws, the Council serves as the main policy-making body of the region—directing programs, reviewing funds, and submitting proposals to national bodies. [1]
Branch Representation
The Halifax Branch held 22 seats at this year’s council, including five first-time attendees. Delegates voted on crucial annual business, including:
● Regional reports and upcoming budgets
● Policy and by-law changes
● Executive elections
️ Executive Election Results & Updates (Halifax Members)
● Congratulations to Paul Hubley: Re-elected as a Member-at-Large on the Atlantic Regional Executive.
● Congratulations to Hashem Abou-Shahla: Our Halifax Branch President was newly elected as a Member-at-Large.
● ️ Thank You, Greg Hues: Greg has stepped down early from the Atlantic Regional Executive after a dedicated year of service.
By-Law Motion Status
Due to incomplete administrative processes, a few motions brought to the floor were ruled out of order, meaning votes could not be held. These items included proposals to limit consecutive term lengths on the Regional Executive and a motion to transition half of the Regional Executive meetings to a virtual format.
Thank you to all of our dedicated delegates for representing the Halifax Branch so well!
Rally Photos
Domestic Violence Training
For the first time, stewards across Canada received domestic violence training in Ottawa on May 8–9. Ten stewards were selected from across the Atlantic to attend with two of Halifax Branches members, Greg Hues and Olga Trela, taking part. The training helps stewards identify indicators of domestic violence, recognize the role of the employer and union, and provide tools to assist members. Greg and Olga are going to work on a Halifax specific resource to ensure the information is readily on hand if the need arises. Thank you to the stewards for taking part in learning on such a difficult topic.
Key Takeaways from the 2025 PIPSC AGM
The 2025 PIPSC Annual General Meeting brought together 777 delegates and 16 observers from across the country, reflecting strong engagement from members. One notable outcome was a reduction in attendance at the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) Triennial Convention, with the Board now determining delegate numbers. This change resulted in significant cost savings of approximately $486,000, demonstrating a continued focus on financial stewardship.
Eight Halifax branch members attended the AGM as delegates and many others representing their groups. In PIPSC, members are organized in two complementary
ways: by Group and by Branch. A Group is based on a profession or bargaining unit (such as IT or NR) and focuses on representation, collective bargaining, and professional issues. A Branch, on the other hand, is based on geographic location and brings together members from different Groups within a region to support local engagement, networking, and regional activities. In short, your Group reflects what you do, while your Branch reflects where you are.
Several updates aimed at improving member experience and supporting constituent bodies were highlighted. A new PIPSC website was launched in 2026, enhancing the member experience through updated digital tools. In addition, personal email addresses will now be shared with constituent body presidents to improve communication, and a revised policy on constituent body allocations will increase available funding to support their work.
Governance changes were also approved at the AGM.
An amendment to Bylaw 13.2.6 adjusts the delegate ratio for future AGMs to one delegate per 300 members, replacing the previous ratio of one per 200. Meanwhile, a proposal to tie annual dues increases to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), capped at 3%, was not adopted.
Finally, the President’s Achievement Award recognized outstanding contributions from Laura Lee Mullin and Kailey von Richter of the Atlantic Region. For more information about the AGM and ongoing initiatives, members are encouraged to visit the PIPSC website: https://pipsc.ca/about-pipsc/governance/annual-general-meetings/
Upcoming Events
● Protect Remote Work Rights: Stand United Against Unreasonable RTO Mandates – October 23, 2026 – see more details here
● Atlantic Steward Council – October 23-24, 2026
● PIPSC National Annual General Meeting – November 27 – 28, 2026 – see more details here
● Halifax Branch AGM – December 7, 2026 at Mic Mac Amateur Aquatic Centre – special guests include PIPSC President Sean O’Riley and Atlantic Regional Director Mark Bellefleur – December 7, 2026
● Glow Gardens – TBD (Between November 19-January 2)
For more information on the Halifax branch