2025 Conference & AGM

Rob Hawke

Robert Hawke is a speaker, author, and comedian.

Robert has uplifted and entertained audiences at conferences, medical schools, and universities. He is very proud to have developed content for The Canadian Mental Health Association, The University of Toronto Medical School and The Ontario Hospital Association, among others.

He was a member of The Second City National Touring Company and shared in a Canadian Comedy Award.

Rob’s books include Kicking Cancer’s Ass: A Light-hearted Guide to the Fight of Your Life and Doing Happiness: Uncovering the Hidden Benefits of Feeling Good. He lives in Peterborough with his terrific wife and ridiculously small dog.

Noella Martin

Noella is well known to CCANS’ members. She has been practicing law in Nova Scotia since 1991 and has acted for long-term care clients over that entire course.
Noella has represented employers at virtually every type of labour or employment-related hearing, including at the Labour Board, arbitrations and all levels of court. Noella has acted as chief spokesperson in collective bargaining and has appeared before and been a member of interest arbitration boards.

In addition to labour and employment law and long-term care issues, Noella has been very involved in issues affecting Nova Scotia’s Acadian heritage. She appeared as counsel for the Conseil scolaire acadien provincial at the Supreme Court of Canada in a matter arising out of minority language education rights and more recently was part of the team that successfully required the Province to revisit the issue of Chéticamp becoming its own electoral district.

The publication “Best Lawyers in Canada” has recognized Noella annually since 2012 for her practice in Administrative and Public Law.

Noella is a member of the Board of the Ship Hector Society, an organization devoted to restoring the Ship Hector, based in Pictou.

Eve Webster

Meet Eve Webster, Senior Director of Compliance and Inspection Services with the Occupational Health and Safety Division with the Department of Labour, Skills, and Immigration. Eve started her career in the private sector in the elevator industry where she worked in management for 8 years before moving to provincial government where she spent 12 years with the Technical Safety Division as a field inspector and project manager. Eve joined the Occupational Health and Safety Division as a Regional Director in 2019 and most recently in the spring of 2023 became the Senior Director.

Jordan McCallum

I have over 25 years working in the Corrections and Community Service field. I have degrees in Sociology, Psychology and Criminology and have been trained in Conflict Negotiation and Mediation. I also have training in Business Management.

I am the Manager of Corporate Development for Metro Community Living Limited, a For-Profit Service Provider operating all over Nova Scotia. Our company employs over 300 employees and provides housing and support services to approximately 200 participants of the Disability Support program around Nova Scotia. I oversee the licensing, JOH&S and property management of 35+ Small option homes across the province. I also oversee the training and professional development of the company’s supervisory and direct care staff. I am also responsible for seeking and applying to grant applications on the provincial and federal level.

I work closely with the executive branches of other Community Service providers, Directors of various government agencies and corporate leaders in the community to increase the size and scope of the services MCL offers to our participants.

I sit on the Board of Directors of the Continuing Care Association of Nova Scotia. I also sit on the board of Halifax Association of Community Living and am a member of the Project Advisory Group for the DEI Regional Knowledge Hub of Nova Scotia.

I am also currently a trainer in Cultural Awareness as well as Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for the Federation of Foster Families. I am also certified to train First Aid/CPR, Mental Health First Aid, Trauma Informed Care, MANDT and Non Violent Crisis Intervention and Prevention, as well as Identifying and assisting Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities, Autism and Alzheimers.

Stephanie Girard-Fraser

Stephanie Girard-Fraser, BBA, CPHR, is an accomplished Executive Director of Human Resources based in Halifax, NS. With extensive expertise in talent acquisition, employee engagement, and organizational development, she excels in driving cultural transformation and strategic workforce planning. Currently leading the Health + Community Care Workforce Sector Council, Stephanie champions innovative HR practices to enhance the care sector in Nova Scotia. Her previous roles include Director of HR at Regional Residential Services Society and HR Consultant for EMC/EHS, Manager of HR at Newfold Digital, where she successfully implemented HRIS systems, conducted workplace investigations/conflict resolution and fostered inclusive workplace cultures. A dedicated advocate for diversity and inclusion, Stephanie holds multiple certifications and actively contributes to her community as Board Chair of New Boundaries in Windsor, NS.

Rob Hawke

Robert Hawke is a speaker, author, and comedian.

Robert has uplifted and entertained audiences at conferences, medical schools, and universities. He is very proud to have developed content for The Canadian Mental Health Association, The University of Toronto Medical School and The Ontario Hospital Association, among others.

He was a member of The Second City National Touring Company and shared in a Canadian Comedy Award.

Rob’s books include Kicking Cancer’s Ass: A Light-hearted Guide to the Fight of Your Life and Doing Happiness: Uncovering the Hidden Benefits of Feeling Good. He lives in Peterborough with his terrific wife and ridiculously small dog.