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Past Community Events

Our branch holds many community events throughout the year. Check out some of our past events. 

During May 2026, several branches of Federal Retirees participated at this year’s PIPSC Atlantic Regional Council (ARC) in Halifax and it was a tremendous success. This event was supported by volunteers from the Colchester-East Hants, Nova Scotia Central and Western Nova Scotia branches and we connected with over 100 attendees throughout the weekend. Our booth generated significant interest, with many PIPSC delegates stopping by to learn more about the association, our member benefits, and the value of joining the association. Several delegates joined the association during the event.

A sincere thank you goes out to the volunteers who generously gave up part of their weekend to represent Federal Retirees and engage delegates:

  • Georgette Beaulieu – Colchester-East Hants Branch
  • Mike Beaulieu – Colchester-East Hants Branch
  • Frona Allen – Colchester-East Hants Branch
  • Dale Hudson – Nova Scotia Central Branch
  • David Thompson – Western Nova Scotia Branch

Special recognition also goes to Scott McConaghy, New Brunswick advocacy program offiver (APO), and Dale Hudson, Nova Scotia Central Branch director, who worked closely with PIPSC leadership at both the Atlantic regional and national levels to secure association’s presence at the event. Throughout the weekend, everyone actively promoted the association and highlighted the many advantages of membership.

Among the materials that attracted the greatest interest were the association information pamphlets and the summary of belairdirect travel insurance benefits taken from the online booklet. Delegates also appreciated receiving a list of Atlantic branches that included branch names, locations, presidents, and contact information. National office provided excellent support through brochures, recruiting kits, Sage magazines, and preferred partner information, all of which contributed to a very professional and successful presence.

The response from PIPSC leadership was especially encouraging. Both the PIPSC national president and Atlantic region vice president expressed their appreciation for the association’s participation and indicated a strong interest in closer collaboration between our organizations moving forward.  Overall, the PIPSC ARC provided excellent exposure for the association and reinforced the value of outreach opportunities like this.

Thank you again to everyone who contributed to making this event such a positive success for the association.

PIPSC-ARC- Dave Thompson, NS75 Western NS; Frona Allen, NS72 Colchester East Hants.

PIPSC-ARC- Dave Thompson, NS75 Western NS; Frona Allen, NS72 Colchester East Hants.

PIPSC-ARC - Georgette & Mike Beaulieu, NS 72 Colchester East-Hants

Georgette and Mike Beaulieu, Colchester East-Hants

PIPSC-ARC- Eva Henshaw, PIPSC National VP; Dale Hudson, Central NS; Mike Pauley, PIPSC Vice Chair, Atlantic Region; Scott McConaghy, NB APO

Eva Henshaw, PIPSC National VP; Dale Hudson, Central NS; Mike Pauley, PIPSC Vice Chair, Atlantic Region; Scott McConaghy, NB APO.

Our branch hosted a successful seminar on May 13, entitled Demystifying Probate Law in Nova Scotia. The event took place in the Avery Room of the Fairbanks Interpretive Centre, located on Locks Rd. in Shubie Park.

The seminar featured an informative presentation by Sarah Burton, legal research counsel with the Access to Justice & Law Reform Institute, assisted by Peter Luczak of Luczak & Associates Barristers & Solicitors in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia.

The event attracted 70+ members and guests and proved to be one of the branch’s most popular educational offerings to date. Interest was exceptionally strong, with registration reaching full capacity within just three days of the e-blast announcement.

Sarah and Peter delivered a clear and engaging overview of probate law in Nova Scotia, explaining how the legislation is applied and outlining common pitfalls to avoid when serving as an estate administrator or executor. Attendees were highly engaged throughout the presentation, asking thoughtful questions and sharing positive feedback following the session.

Participants particularly appreciated the guidance on protecting and transferring their legacy to loved ones, precisely the type of value-added programming the branch is committed to providing. Building on this success, our branch looks forward to offering future events that continue to educate, connect, and support our members.

View a copy of the presentation slides here

Demystifying Probate – 2026

Volunteers from our branch participated in DND’s My Transition Expo at 12 Wing Shearwater on April 21 and 22, 2026.

The Expo was hosted by the CFB Halifax Military Transition unit and provides valuable information and resources to military members preparing to transition to civilian life upon retirement.

With participants from both CFB Halifax and 12 Wing Shearwater, the Expo also offered an excellent opportunity to promote our Association and connect with potential new members.

Our branch maintains a strong relationship with the CFB Halifax Military Transition Unit and regularly participates in DND’s My Transition Expo in support of transitioning military personnel.

Thank you for the opportunity to share our story at the Expo.

Thank you to our volunteers that participated.

On Feb. 17, 2026, with tremendous success, our estate planning seminar was presented in partnership with IG Wealth Management and was held at the Canada Games Centre, Halifax.

The session generated significant interest, and ninety-nine individuals attended. It was encouraging to identify that 87% of the participants were first-time attendees of our branch events. This provides a strong indication that our selection of topics is resonating with our membership as we continue to build stronger relationships.

The content presented was extremely well received and members asked thoughtful questions regarding retirement funds and taxation and engaged actively throughout the presentation. Following the event, many positive comments were shared and through feedback, we confirmed that the material was relevant and practical with key points on transferring your legacy to your loved ones. This is exactly the kind of value-added programming our branch strives to deliver.

The event also helped to build momentum for the events planned in the coming months. We started the pre-sale of tickets for our Branch Annual General Meeting & Luncheon scheduled for April 8, 2026.  This created early enthusiasm and reinforced the importance of staying connected and involved.

Overall, this event reflects strong outreach and meaningful member engagement. We look forward to building on this success with future events that continue to inform, connect, and support our members.

View Erin Tilley’s Webinar 2026 

Thanks for joining us!

The Events Committee

 

On Remembrance Day, Nov. 11, the Nova Scotia central branch honoured the courage, sacrifice and steadfast service of all who have answered Canada’s call. 

Thanks to the branch members and volunteers who attended the ceremonies at these five Legions:
Vimy Branch 27 / Dieppe Branch 90 / Centennial Branch 160 / Calais Branch 162 / Caen Branch 164.

The ceremony at the Dieppe Branch 90 in Waverley included a parade, two minutes of silence was held, ‘The Last Post’ was heard and wreaths were placed at the Cenotaph. It was a great day with attendance from many in the community.

Many thanks to all that participated!

Our Volunteers

Thank you to everyone who joined us on Oct. 29, 2025, for the fall recruitment luncheon. 

This was an event that allowed our members an opportunity to bring along friends that may be interested to join the Association and our branch.  In addition to being served a delicious turkey lunch at the Royal Canadian Legion, Calais Branch 162, the attendees were inspired by an interesting presentation on “Resilience in Care Giving & the Care Giver” by Donalda MacIssac. 

Her presentation demonstrated the power of finding and using first voice and personal truth to effect systemic change.  From having a hearing loss that was only picked up in her teens to raising a son who had disabilities that no one knew how to address, Donalda shared how she had to rise above the “professional opinions and words of others” to forge a way forward for her family and son.   

Thank you again to all that attended and we look forward to seeing you at our next event.

NS Central Branch Volunteers