TESTIMONIALS

What MEMBERS are SAYING

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Electing Shawn as the President of the NSTU is a decision we won't regret. His expertise and integrity are evident in everything he does. He's not just about words; he follows through with concrete actions. Shawn's dedication to honesty and transparency makes him the leader we need going forward.

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Shelley Rigby

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Shawn stands out as a beacon of integrity and commitment. His thorough knowledge of our profession's nuances and his honest, straightforward approach in addressing them have greatly benefited the Halifax County NSTU. He cares deeply about each member, making it his mission to improve our collective well-being."  Vote Shawn Hannifin for NSTU President.

Lawrence Rigby

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I’ve had the pleasure of working with Shawn for many years; as a colleague at Sunnyside Elementary and on the Executive of the Halifax County Local. During these years, he has shown to be an excellent leader and impassioned president who speaks from the heart based on personal experience and that of his membership. 

He is a humble leader who passes on credit to whom it is due but is also willing to accept criticism. He takes his membership to where they don’t necessarily want to go but where they ought to be. Shawn is attentive to the difficulties and challenges that have arisen during the last 4 years as local president. He is compassionate and always leaves an informed response. Shawn faces challenges and seizes them as an opportunity to see his membership grow. 

On May 15th, I will be endorsing Shawn Hanifen for NSTU President.

Suzanne Rohland

VP of Communication

Halifax County Local

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I am pleased to offer the following testimonial in support of Shawn Hanifen for the position of NSTU President. I've had the privilege of knowing Shawn for well over a decade. Throughout this time, I've witnessed his unwavering dedication to his local and to unionism, as well as his passion for making positive change. 

Shawn is not just a leader; he is a true advocate for the members he serves. His commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and integrity sets him apart. He actively listens to the concerns and ideas of members and works tirelessly to address issues and implement solutions that benefit everyone.

Shawn’s vision for our Union is inspiring, rooted in a deep understanding of our needs and a forward-thinking approach to progress. He has a proven track record of collaboration, bringing people together from all backgrounds, to achieve common goals within his Local. This is something he will bring to the NSTU as a whole.

With Shawn at the helm, I have no doubt that our Union will thrive. He possesses the essential qualities of experience and genuine care for members of our respective professions which are necessary for effective leadership. I wholeheartedly endorse Shawn Hanifen and encourage everyone to join me in supporting his candidacy for President of the NSTU.

Phillip Samson

Provincial Executive,

Inverness / Richmond

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I rarely come across fellow union members with as thorough an understanding of the "system" as Shawn. Not only is he a stand-up colleague, Shawn goes above and beyond to advocate for coworkers and those he represents as the current Halifax County Local President. He has demonstrated extensive union participation over the years and a commitment to articulating teacher issues publicly. Personally, I appreciated his ability to actively support and file a working conditions grievance which increased our school team by two full-time teaching staff. This was an incredible support for our entire school team and community. Shawn's accessibility, advocacy and willingness to help colleagues demonstrates his exemplary leadership skills and unwavering commitment to those he represents. I believe that, as union president, he will be able to "take the government to task" during our next set of
contract negotiations. He is honest, straightforward, hard working and a vocal leader that is willing to stand up for the rights of teachers in our province!


Rebecca Taylor, Bedford South School

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I have known Shawn Hanifen for many years and have witnessed his diligent work at the local, regional and provincial levels within the NSTU. He currently sits as the Halifax County Local President, serving approximately 2300 members.  Shawn brings an in-depth knowledge and understanding of procedures, policies, contracts and laws as they apply to teachers & the profession. He is extremely approachable, compassionate and actively listens to the concerns & needs of members. Furthermore, Shawn is skilled at viewing issues from a variety of perspectives and educational levels and he offers viable solutions.

Two words come to mind when I think of Shawn Hanifen: humility & strength.  Never boastful, he has the mindset of ‘we’ and not ‘me’. And to that end, he stands as a prime example of a strong service leader. The NSTU can find no stronger leader that will serve and champion the rights & working conditions of teachers. I will be voting Shawn Hanifen for NSTU Provincial President on May 15th and I encourage you to do the same!

-Jason Jennings VP of Nominations Halifax County

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As a fellow member of the Halifax County Local Executive I have seen firsthand Shawn's leadership in action. Shawn has an innate ability to make everyone on a team feel heard and validated. He is always ready and available to listen to members' concerns across the Halifax County and to find solutions to address their needs. He has been vocal throughout his Presidency to bring issues regarding teachers' working conditions across the province to the attention of the public and the HRCE. His collegial approach to leadership has made it possible for him to work effectively with members across the NSTU, both regionally and provincially. Shawn's knowledge of the NSTU, his current experience leading Nova Scotia's largest teaching local, and his passionate commitment to serving NS teachers, will make Shawn an excellent choice as our next provincial NSTU President.

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Leah Gillis

Holland Road Elementary

Former Member At Large
Social Wellness Committee

Halifax County NSTU Local

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Shawn has been a strong voice for all members and students across the province. He understands what matters to all in public education. Shawn is one who communicates and boldly stands up for our concerns. Over the past several years being heavily involved in our union, he has never backed down on our issues. He is approachable, always willing to talk to and hear from members. I cannot think of a better person to lead us in the NSTU than Shawn Hanifen.

Scott Hudson

St. Mary’s Education Centre/Academy

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I have served with Shawn on the Halifax County Exec for three years. What has impressed me about Shawn is his great knowledge about the NSTU. Furthermore, if he doesn’t know an answer, he will find out for you. Shawn can be depended up to return phone calls and emails quickly. I have had both other reps from various schools and staff at my school comment on this fact.  He takes our interests as NSTU members very seriously and can express himself in a way of which we can be proud. His experience with Halifax County local Executive and as local President plus his time as Provincial Executive member for Halifax City have all proven that he puts our NSTU needs first.  He is a dedicated professional who speaks out and who quickly points out injustices. Hence, I believe that Shawn is well prepared to be our President.

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Jodie MacIlreith, Leslie Thomas Junior High, Former Treasurer, Halifax County Local

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I had the pleasure of working with Shawn when he was starting out in his career. His dedication to his students was incredible. He selflessly worked long hours before and after school to ensure extra-curriculars were provided to augment their school experience. It has been a pleasure seeing Shawn grow as a teacher and to also become selflessly dedicated to the NSTU. This loyalty to the NSTU is a much-needed trait. We need a representative who is not afraid to take on the government and the media to ensure our interests are met. I think Shawn can be a President of whom we can be proud to represent the NSTU.

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Rob MacIlreith, Tech Ed Teacher, Leslie Thomas Junior High

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I have known Shawn for many years firstly through our involvement in coaching and attending meetings for the Regional Athletic Council for the Citadel Zone and our early involvement as school reps for the NSTU.

Shawn has continued to show his strong commitment to the NSTU through various important roles. I believe he has enhanced his understanding of all important aspects of NSTU policies, procedures and contracts.

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One of his biggest attributes is that Shawn is always willing to answer any and all questions teachers may have and genuinely cares about your concerns.

I can say without hesitation, that he possesses the necessary attributes necessary to become a strong NSTU President. He knows all about the challenges and struggles teachers have felt and is ready to fight for the respect and dignity teachers so rightfully deserve.

Shawn Hanifen for NSTU President

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Justin Hickey

Teacher- Park West HRCE

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Shawn has been an active and committed NSTU member for many years.  His extensive knowledge in NSTU contracts and policies has proven to be highly beneficial for our local.  Shawn never hesitates to ask the tough questions and is a strong advocate for our members and their well-being.  He responds promptly and efficiently and always follows up to make sure he has met the needs of his members. He has proven to be reliable and accountable time and time again.  Shawn is an effective and accomplished leader and it is without hesitation that I support Shawn as our next NSTU President.

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Cindy Gillis

School Counsellor

Beaver Bank Monarch Drive Elementary School

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Without a doubt, Shawn Hanifen is the most qualified person to run for NSTU president. As a teacher, a memeber of the NSTU provincial executive, and now a local president, Shawn has done it all. In all he does, Shawn exemplifies honesty, fairness, and thoughtfulness. Shawn will use those qualities to bring a voice of reason and experience to the provincial executive table. We need Shawn. Shawn needs you. Vote for Shawn Hanifen for NSTU president.

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Ian K. Comeau

CSANE

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If you have interacted with Shawn, you know that he is always available to answer questions and provide union guidance that is sound and clear.  Shawn has been actively involved in the union for so long that he not only has an excellent understanding of the current issues facing teachers but he also has a very thorough historical understanding of where we have been as a profession, where we are heading and what changes will benefit students and teachers most.

-Kevin Zwicker

St. Catherine's

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In different roles within the NSTU, Shawn has always maintained a strong sense of the issues facing teachers.  He is incredibly knowledgeable of our current contracts and the historical context of past negotiations. His experience is invaluable to the NSTU in making informed, impactful and forward-thinking decisions. Because of his thorough understanding of the issues we have faced and are facing, Shawn is steadfast in his support of teachers.  He is the person we need representing our profession in an evolving education landscape.

-Amy Zwicker HRCE

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I have had the pleasure of knowing Shawn as both a friend and a colleague for over a decade. We have worked, played sports and socialized throughout the years. No matter the context Shawn has always proven to be a knowledgeable, dependable and caring person. 

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I first met Shawn in my first year as a new teacher, I was always able to come to him with any questions or problems that I may have been having at the time.  In his role as a teaching colleague, he always had a great way of listening to and offering advice in a way that was supportive and clear to help support his colleagues. 

Over the past several years Shawn has been a great friend and union representative.  Shawn is the most knowledgeable person that I have ever met when it comes to knowing and understanding our teaching contract. In any instance where I needed information or guidance on a workplace issue Shawn was always very prompt with his response. He always laid out the information in a clear and concise manner.  I always left our interactions feeling informed and confident I had all the information I needed to make the right decision.  Shawn has always made sure to follow up to ensure that things were resolved successfully. 

Over the years we have stayed close and I would consider Shawn a friend that has always been there to offer advice and help.  I feel that Shawn possesses all the characteristics to be a strong and trustworthy leader that will always act in the best interest of members and not be afraid to stand up for the rights of the membership.

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Josh MacNeil

Brookside Junior

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