2021 Council Election

At-Large Election Acclamations

The following nominees were acclaimed as At-Large Council members for the 2021-2023 term:

M. Ingrid Brodie QC – Chief Crown Attorney (Western), PPS

Angeli Swinamer – MacGillivray Law Office Incorporated – New Glasgow

There is an At-Large member vacancy. This vacancy will be filled by a process to be determined by Council.

2021 Halifax District Election Results

Four members were elected to the Society’s Council Monday, March 15^th following the 2021 Halifax District Election. They will begin their two-year terms (2021-2023) following the 2021 Annual Meeting on June 19^th.

The successful candidates were Angelina Amaral, Morgan Manzer, Josie McKinney & Melanie Petrunia. As Council members, these successful candidates will lead the Society and lend their voices and unique insights to decisions that impact Nova Scotia’s legal profession. Learn more about the newly elected Council members. 

2021 Halifax District Election Results

• Angelina Amaral, 401 votes, 16%
• D. Fraser MacFadyen, 333 votes, 13%
• Morgan Manzer, 409 votes, 16%
• Josie McKinney, 389 votes, 15%
• Melanie Petrunia, 437 votes, 17%
• Mark Rieksts, 278 votes, 11%
• Terry Sheppard, 323 votes, 13%

Voter turnout for this election was 41.65%, with 828 of a total 1988 eligible voters casting electronic ballots. Voter turnout increased 10.69% compared to the Society’s 2019 Halifax District Election.

Thank you to our members who participated in the 2021 Halifax District Election!

District Acclamations

The following nominees are acclaimed as Council members for the 2021-2023 term:

Central

Bronwyn Duffy, Stellarton – MacIsaac, Clarke & Duffy
J. Patrick Young, Pictou – Public Prosecution Service

Southwestern

David Hirtle, Lunenburg – Hirtle Legal Services Inc.
Jamie Vacon, Yarmouth – NS Legal Aid

Cape Breton

Shannon Mason, Sydney – NS Legal Aid

There is a vacancy in the Cape Breton District. This vacancy will be filled by a process to be determined by Council, once the At-Large elections are complete in April.

Read the bios of the acclaimed district members

2021 Council Election: Message to Members from Nominating Committee Chair

Letter to members from Tuma T.W. Young, Q.C., First Vice President and Chair of the Nominating Committee

Dear NSBS Member,

As the governing body for the profession, Council approves the Society’s Strategic Framework, sets the Society’s policies, and oversees the regulation of the profession. To do this, the Society requires committed, diverse, and effective leadership on Council.

I urge all lawyers to consider running for Council and taking on one of the most important roles we have to ensure continued self-governance of an independent legal profession. For some, it may be a step outside of their comfort zone. I know I have found the work rewarding.

I particularly encourage lawyers from equity-seeking communities to consider running as we aim to increase diversity among Council Members to better represent the makeup of our Bar.

Read the full message to members

Mark Scott QC Acclaimed as 2021-2022 Second Vice-President

Mark Scott QC is the Society’s Second Vice-President for the 2021-2022 Council year.

“After having worked with Mark on various committees, I know he will be an asset to the Society, to the membership and to the public at large. Mark is thoughtful, dedicated, and his skills and experience as a public prosecutor will certainly support the Society as we work to advance our strategic priorities, “said the Society’s First Vice-President Tuma Young QC.

Mark was acclaimed as Second Vice-President after the nomination process closed February 15th. He will assume the post and its responsibilities after the Society’s Annual Meeting on June 19, 2021. Tuma Young QC will serve as the 2021-2022 President.

The Second Vice-President holds a key position in governance and continues to become First Vice-President and then President of the Society. Read Mark’s biography. 

Questions about the 2021 Council Election? Review our 2021 Council Election FAQS, contact us at elections@nsbs.org,or submit a question online.