test

test

Code of Conduct and Complaint Process

The Town of Lunenburg is dedicated to maintaining integrity, transparency, and professionalism in municipal governance. To support these values, the Town has adopted the Code of Conduct for Municipal Elected Officials, as required by the Nova Scotia Municipal Government Act. This Code applies to all municipalities in Nova Scotia and sets clear standards for ethical behaviour and accountability for elected officials.

The Code outlines expectations for conduct and provides a process for addressing potential breaches. Complaints are handled by an independent investigator to ensure fairness, confidentiality, and integrity throughout the investigation.

Key areas covered include:

• General Conduct: Maintaining integrity, transparency, and adherence to procedural rules.
• Confidential Information: Protecting sensitive municipal information from unauthorized use or disclosure.
• Conflict of Interest: Avoiding decisions influenced by personal gain.
• Fairness: Treating all individuals equally and with respect.
• Use of Municipal Resources: Ensuring municipal property and services are used appropriately.
• Interaction with Staff and Service Providers: Maintaining professional relationships and boundaries.

Visit Code of Conduct for Municipal Elected Officials Regulations

What Constitutes a Breach?

Violations of the Code of Conduct include, but are not limited to:

• Misusing confidential information.
• Accepting unauthorized gifts or benefits.
• Engaging in conflicts of interest.
• Showing favouritism or bias in municipal decision-making.
• Failing to adhere to council decisions or municipal policies.
• Inappropriate interactions with staff or misuse of municipal resources.

Filing a Complaint

If you believe an elected official has breached the Code of Conduct, you may file a formal complaint. Complaints must meet the following criteria:

1. Submission Timeline: This must be filed within six months of discovering the alleged breach.
2. Format: Complaints must be submitted in writing to the appointed investigator.

Investigator Contact Information

Name: Kiersten Amos, McInnes Cooper and MC Advisory
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Complaint Process

1. Initial Submission: Submit your written complaint, including all relevant details, to the investigator.
2. Review: The investigator will decide if the complaint is valid. If it isn’t, it will be dismissed.
3. Investigation: If the complaint moves forward, the investigator will inform the council member involved and carry out a detailed, confidential investigation.
4. Report: The investigator will provide a report to Council within six months of receiving the complaint.
5. Council Decision: Council will review the report, decide if a breach happened, and take appropriate action if needed.

Possible Consequences of a Breach

Depending on the severity of the violation, consequences may include:

• Formal reprimand or public censure.
• Removal from committees or leadership roles.
• Financial penalties or reduced remuneration.
• The requirement to issue an apology or attend additional training.
• Restrictions on access to municipal facilities or resources.

Each case is reviewed thoroughly to ensure it is handled fairly and appropriately

Candidate Photos and Bios

Candidates for Mayor

• Jamie Myra

Jamie is the current Mayor of Lunenburg. He was elected in a special by-election in August 2023. He has served as Mayor for one year.

I am re-offering as Mayor because I’ve lived and worked in Lunenburg my whole life and I love this town. I own Stan's Dad and Lad, a small 69-year-old business in Lunenburg. My children and family live in Lunenburg. I have strong, proven experience in Lunenburg’s Municipal Government. I served for 12 years as a town councillor in Lunenburg. I also served as Deputy Mayor and was the town's representative on the Lunenburg Queens Regional Development Agency and other cost-sharing committees. Some of the organizations I volunteered with and positions I held include Captain in the Lunenburg Fire Department, President of the Lunenburg Board of Trade, Treasurer of South Shore Tourism, President of the Lunenburg Curling Club, and President of the Lunenburg and South Shore Minor Hockey. I am proud to say I worked my way up and served many years (53 in total) as a volunteer and gained immense experience leading people, meeting and projects, and working with the town, families and businesses.

I feel that you should vote for me because to the office of Mayor I bring many years of experience in Lunenburg Municipal Government, the Lunenburg business community, and with volunteer organizations. I achieve results. I have a strong track record focused on connecting community and council, improving town infrastructure, and finding solutions to challenges. My four-year plan focuses on electric utility, crumbling infrastructure, enhanced policing, and increased housing opportunities to increase the town’s tax base, as well as working with the new council and staff, and representing all Lunenburg residents and businesses.

You can follow me on Facebook and Instagram @Myra4Mayor 

• https://www.facebook.com/Myra4Mayor
• Jamie Myra (@myra4mayor) (Instagram)

 

• Jesse Ward

Jesse Ward is a lifelong Nova Scotian with a proven track record of promoting accountability, transparency and community engagement in Lunenburg as Co-Founder and former Editor-in-chief of the Lunenburg Barnacle newspaper.

He is running for Mayor to ensure Lunenburg plans for sustainable growth that respects our UNESCO World Heritage Site designation, promotes year-round livability and attainable housing, and commits to an efficient strategy for our infrastructure and finances.

Jesse has attended every Town Council meeting over the last two years, asking questions and reporting stories so you can stay informed.

He has devoted hundreds of volunteer hours to local community media out of a love for Lunenburg and values rooted in good governance, civic engagement and financial integrity.

He has senior experience working with hundreds of municipalities. In his career, he is a senior manager at a software company where he consults on improving open records and transparency strategies for governments of all sizes.

He is also an international public speaker and a leading consultant on digital investigations, relied upon by law enforcement agencies, legal teams, and human rights organizations for crucial research projects.

Jesse, who once worked on documentaries with the CBC’s the fifth estate, and is an award-winning musical theatre producer, lives on the Upper East Side of Old Town with his cat Prune.

See Jesse’s full platform and contact him online at: https://www.jesseforlunenburg.com

Candidates for Councillor

• Renea Babineau 

 

Originally from Halifax, I've been living and working in Lunenburg since 2016.

I previously served as the Executive Director for Lunenburg’s chamber of commerce, the Lunenburg Board of Trade. It was while working there that I became interested in governance and policy.

I'd like to see open,clear and proactive communication between town council and townsfolk. I believe with meaningful and respectful discourse, together we can make sure Lunenburg continues to thrive and experience sustainable growth.

You can contact me or find me on social media using the following: 

email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564217416323&mibextid=ZbWKwL

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reneaforlunenburg?igsh=NXBpNG53dmFxcWE5

 

• Rachel Bailey 

Lunenburg is and has always been my home. I care deeply about this community and have demonstrated my love for my hometown through community service over many years.   I was elected and proudly served as the Mayor of Lunenburg for two terms from 2012-2020 and served one term as a Councillor previous to that (2008-2012) .  Having decided not to reoffer in the last election, I volunteered my time and leadership over the past 3 & 1/2 years as President of the Lunenburg Academy Foundation.  I also currently volunteer for Lunenburg’s Foodbank and am an active member of Central United Church.

My husband Mike and I raised our 3 sons in Lunenburg and for many years were kept busy keeping them busy volunteering with the tennis club, the minor hockey association, the local Soccer club, and the schools, the Lunenburg Academy and Lunenburg’s Jr. Sr High School.  Collaborating with the Town, I co-chaired an adhoc group of volunteers who raised the money and made the arrangements to upgrade the town’s athletic fields in 2008 then renamed the Gus Vickers Memorial Athletic Field.  

Our boys are all men now with busy lives of their own but we are thrilled to be grandparents to 2 little girls.

Having taken a break from municipal government, I am enticed to go back to public service and would like to represent the citizens of Lunenburg once again as a member of Town Council.  I bring experience, dedication and a strong desire to ensure Lunenburg continues to thrive.  

Lunenburg is not just a small town with infrastructure challenges.  It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with an abundance of assets that need to be leveraged to best advantage.   By working collaboratively with other levels of government, community organizations, local businesses and engaged citizens, we can ensure Lunenburg’s future is bright.  I ask for your support and trust in helping to make that happen.

 

• Irma Da Sie

I am a recently retired architect who has proudly called Lunenburg home since 2005.  Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with many of our local businesses and families, interpreting their needs and bringing their visions to life.

For almost two decades, I have been an outspoken advocate in the safeguarding of our heritage buildings.  Preserving our built environment is crucial to conserving our unique UNESCO identity.  However, a town is not a museum.  It must be allowed to grow and prosper in ways that do not destroy the fabric of our town, but enhance the lives of all of its residents.

I currently serve on the Town’s Planning Advisory Committee where I am learning a great deal about real issues facing our residents.  As an architect, I have a keen understanding of both the technical and aesthetic aspects of urban planning and design.  Our aging infrastructure cannot be ignored.

Looking ahead, Development Agreements on town-owned land will become increasingly important, and I am uniquely qualified to ensure that we thoroughly explore all options, engage with residents, and develop creative solutions that address affordable housing needs. 

With your support, I hope to bring my creative skills, technical experience, dedication, and love for our town to the municipal council.

Preserve. Prosper. Progress.

 For more information on my views, see my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565078626346

 

• Debbie Dauphinee

Lunenburg. My birthplace. My forever home.  Lunenburg has a heart and soul. You can feel it wherever you go in town. I am humbled and honoured to put my name forth as a candidate to represent every resident of Lunenburg. 

We need to be able to “talk” to one another as it is only through communication and listening we will be able to look together at the issues before us and those that will follow.

I respect how my father, David Dauphinee, carried out his duties as a Councillor and Deputy Mayor. He spoke to all, he consoled and celebrated with residents, he attended events, and he gave answers that were sometimes not popular. He carried a little bit of Lunenburg, in the form of a pin, wherever he went in the world through his job. He tirelessly promoted the town he loved. I will not let us or my father down.

We, the residents, will need to find common ground amongst the difficult and complex decisions that will have to be made in the next four years to successfully guide Lunenburg towards a bright future for the generations that will follow us. 

Let us all have a say in the future of this little gem of a town.

• Alex Greek 

My name is Alex Greek and I'm proud to be running as one of your candidates for Lunenburg Town Council.

Born and raised in Lunenburg, I've lived in town for the majority of my life. The atmosphere created by Lunenburg's residents and its history solidified Lunenburg as the place where my wife Sydney, our cats Pickles and Cucumber, and I wanted to settle as a family.

If elected as a member of your town council, I'm passionate about improving our overall communication, unity among residents, and improvements to our infrastructure and housing options.

With a degree in public relations and a professional background in supply chain, I have experience communicating on many levels to diverse audiences.

Being a member of the town's Planning Advisory Committee has afforded me the opportunity to learn more about the Municipal Government Act and the town's Municipal Planning Strategy and land use by-law.

I believe Lunenburg can look to its past when gauging the best path forward in the future. We've all worked towards positive change in the past, and I have full confidence we can continue to do so.

Its important to me to be able to hit the campaign trail to discuss our town with you and hear what you consider most important to Lunenburg's present and future state.

 

• Gale Fullerton 

 

Hello, Neighbours,
 
With a lifelong connection to Lunenburg through my mother’s family, I made Lunenburg my permanent home in 2018. Reconnecting with extended family members and friends has been a joyful experience, and understanding how deep my roots are here compels me to be more fully engaged in this wonderful community I call home.

I would be proud to serve the citizens of Lunenburg on Town Council, using my business and life experience to contribute toward making Lunenburg a better place. Time spent working in property management and as a small business owner-operator serve me well in being able to understand the needs and concerns of residents and business owners.

I approach all projects I take on with collaboration in mind, believing strongly that we can do greater things when we combine knowledge, skills, and experience, and work together for the greater good. I have found this to be very effective and rewarding not only in the successful completion of projects, but also in the community building it achieves.

With your support at the polls, I pledge to be a calm, consistent and collaborative member of Town Council, working in the best interests of our community and all its citizens. We can do great things when we are fully engaged in careful, thoughtful decisions for the growth and success of Lunenburg, while respecting the importance of our history and traditions.

 

• John Mcgee

'

“When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years.” - Mark Twain

I’ve always enjoyed that quote and, as I’ve aged, appreciated the message. I’ve been on Council for 12 years, 3 as Deputy Mayor. I’ve run successful small and medium sized business for almost 40 years. I’ve spent a lifetime serving my community by organizing, funding and volunteering in activities for both service and entertainment.

All this has given me a well rounded perspective on the needs of our community. With this acquired experience, I can help guide a new Council through the difficult issues facing Lunenburg.

You can follow me on Facebook here: John McGee for Council 

• Alison Strachan

I’ve lived in Lunenburg since 1999.

My children learned to sail, play tennis, and golf in the community, and both have the careers and enduring special friendships today that grew from growing up in the Town they will always call home no matter where they live. I want to make sure more families and households continue to have the same opportunity.

My years as a lawyer gave me high-level strategic thinking and strong negotiation, contract, and project management skills. Most importantly, I learned how effective a team with expertise, mutual respect, integrity, commitment, and knowledge can be when solving important and difficult client issues. 

I see a Council that must come together to solve challenging community issues and want to be a part of it. 

Service to my community is important to me. I've served with a variety of organizations, from the fledgling Metro Food Bank Society, Halifax’s North End Community Health Centre and South End Community Day Care Centre Boards, to Lunenburg, where I am with Harbour View Haven’s Board and the Lunenburg Academy Foundation. I spent several years provincially as Co-Chair of the Canadian Bar Association’s Constitutional and Human Rights Section.

Participating on these boards has enhanced my governance skills and confidence in participating in discussions that lead to critical decision-making.
I believe that leadership leads by example, and when this election is over - I’m ready and eager to serve as a part of the leadership this Town deserves. I am:

• Able to build relationships on both the council and in the community
• Available and willing to be accessible to the public
• Able to make compassionate and professional decisions
• Able to meaningfully participate at Council meetings and in all other community-related settings

I’m excited to meet and hear from you over the coming weeks. I hope to see you on your doorstep in the coming weeks!

You can follow me on Facebook here: Alison Strachan for Lunenburg Town Council

• Amanda Williams

Amanda is a passionate advocate for the community, mother of Maebh (often seen riding her bike through town) and university student. She has resided in Lunenburg for two years and loves living here with her daughter, who recently started at the Bluenose Academy Pre-Primary program. 

The past two seasons Amanda has worked in the tourism industry in Lunenburg, both at Pleasant Paddling and the Lunenburg Bike Shop, providing her with a solid grounding in the complex relationship the the has with the tourism industry. 

Amanda is on the board of directors for the South Shore Sexual Health Centre and is an active community organizer for a number of projects seeking to create positive change in the way governments on all levels can support a better quality of life for residents. Amanda also worked as an Early Childhood Educator for a number of years, providing a deep understanding of the needs of families in Nova Scotia. She would like to take this experience and put it towards fostering a sustainable, flourishing community with equitable access to services and infrastructure updates.

 In her free time she enjoys cycling, open-water swimming and knitting.

Information for Candidates

Candidate information guide

Interested in running in the 2024 Town of Lunenburg Election? Download the 2024 Candidate Information Guide to learn more about how to put your name forward as a candidate: 

pdf Candidate Information Guide (4.50 MB)

Becoming a candidate in the municipal election

Candidate requirements: 

• To run as a candidate, you must be:
• 18 years of age at the time of nomination;
• A Canadian citizen; and
• Ordinarily resident, which means you must have lived in the Town of Lunenburg for six months before nomination day (March 10, 2024) and continue to live there.

Preparing for nomination

Campaigning: There are no rules on when candidates can start campaigning, but remember, you’re not officially nominated until your papers are successfully filed.

Nomination Papers: Candidates can only file their nomination papers between Aug. 29 and Sept. 10 during regular business hours (8:30 – 4:30 p.m., Mondays through Fridays). This requires making an appointment with the returning officer. Walk-in appointments will only be accepted on Sept.10. Sept. 10 is the last day to file your nomination papers.

Collecting Contributions: You can start collecting contributions after you have either declared yourself as your official agent or appointed someone as your official agent. This can be done even before filing your nomination papers by making an appointment with the returning officer.

Make an Appointment: To make an appointment with the returning officer, contact Kayla Byrne at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 902-634-4410 x 240.

Filing your nomination papers

Beginning Aug. 19, 2024, contact the Returning Officer (902-634-4410 x 240 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) to make an in-person appointment to file your nomination papers.

Appointments will be available during regular business hours (8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) between Aug. 29 and Sept. 9, 2024.

Walk-in appointments will be accepted on Sept. 10 during regular business hours. This is the final day to file nomination papers to run in the 2024 Election.

Nomination forms are available in-person at your appointment or you can view them online here:  pdf All Candidate Forms (274 KB)

Making your candidacy official checklist

All candidate forms must be completed and submitted to the Returning Officer by nomination day (Sept. 10, 2024).

□ Make an in-person appointment to file your nomination.

□ Have valid photo identification.

□ Have a Certificate of Taxes and Liens.

□ Have all relevant completed forms completed, including having five qualified electors sign your nomination paper (FORM 11).

□ Have a $200 filing fee/deposit.

Once you file your nomination paper, your candidacy information becomes public.

Important dates 

Date	Event	What does it mean?
Aug. 29 – Sept. 9, 2024	Nomination appointments	Candidates may make an appointment with the Returning Officer to file their official nomination papers.
Sept. 10, 2024	Nomination Day	Last day to file nomination papers.
Sept. 11 Before 4 pm	Change of particulars Withdrawal of candidate	Final day that candidates can make changes to their nomination information or withdraw from the election.
Oct. 10, 2024 – Oct. 18, 2024	Advance voting	During advance polling days, residents can vote electronically at any time.
Oct. 19, 2024	Election day (ordinary polling day)	The last day for residents to vote. Voting closes at 7 p.m.
Oct. 26, 2024	Affidavit of Removal of Signs and Destruction of List of Electors due	Affidavit of Removal of Signs and Destruction of List of Electors, Form 12, is due to the Clerk. This document confirms that all advertising has been removed and all copies of the lists of electors have been destroyed
Oct. 29, 2024	Last day for application for a recount	This is the deadline to apply for a recount.
Dec. 19, 2024	Campaign finance disclosure form due	The Statement of Campaign Contributions is due.

Conseil scolaire acadien provincial (CSAP) elections

Under the Education (CSAP) Act [s. 46 (1)], a candidate can be elected as a school board member if they meet the following criteria:

• They are a Canadian citizen and at least 18 years old at the time of nomination.
• They have lived in the school region for at least 6 months before nomination day and continue to live there.
• They are not disqualified under the Education (CSAP) Act.

In addition to the general qualifications, a CSAP candidate must be an “entitled parent” or “entitled person” as defined in sections 3 (1)(h), (i), and (t) of the Education (CSAP) Act.

For nomination packages and more information about the Conseil scolaire acadien provincial (CSAP) elections, please contact the South Shore CSAP Returning Officer at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (902) 527-8151. Nominations for the CSAP election must be submitted by September 10.