For the first time in its 53-year history, the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour has a woman of colour as president. Melissa Marsman was elected president at the Federation’s convention in Halifax in October 2025. Melissa served as NSFL Secretary-Treasurer for two years from 2023 to 2025.

Melissa came to the NSFL with 22 years of union activism and a strong financial background, including positions with NSGEU as a local president, NSGEU Board of Directors member, and Third Vice-President. For 20 years, Melissa worked in accounting at the IWK Health Centre, preparing and maintaining large-scale budgets, before moving to NSGEU to work in their accounting department.

She is a member of IAM 2797. Melissa was recording secretary of the NSFL Anti-Racism/Human Rights Committee for ten years and an alternate to the Vice-President, BIPOC. Melissa brings her passion for the rights of all workers and a drive for equity and equality to the position of president.