Congratulations to the 2025 Betty MacFadyen Award Winner!!
Holly Arsenault, Southern Kings Local
Holly began her commitment to PEINU as a Secretary for the Southern Kings Local in 2016, this introduction sparked her competitive passion for union activism. Over time she continued to navigate how PEINU works at the ground level with front line staff, attending the 2017 AGM, she became President of this Local in 2019 and quickly gained the respect of her local members as a strong voice for them to be represented with understanding, compassion and knowledge at the Provincial Council table. She does not shy away from challenging issues provincially or locally, maintains composure and seeks answers to unknowns. Holly also sits as Chair of the Nominations Committee and member of the Grievance and Negotiations Committees.
Holly works at the worksite level to engage with RNs in knowing their Collective Agreement, listening to their concerns, navigating challenges, complimenting hard work, and representing them with confidence where the employer is involved. She works tirelessly advocating for her Rural emergency department worksite for her coworkers and patients alike, she has become a senior staff member in this department with great respect from the care providers who enter the department. At the local level Holly holds regular local meetings to keep members informed and allow for discussion, she is a valued member at the frontline of union work which is proven time and again at the Provincial Council meetings.
Holly has continued to gain experience by attending the 2021 virtual Biennium, 2023 Biennium in Charlottetown, 2024 Eastern Labour School and plans to attend the 2025 Biennium in Ontario. Despite a turnover of managerial staff throughout a Local housed in various buildings across the Montague area, she is always in the know about the hot topics of these worksites, with the contact information needed to address issues head-on as they arise. She supports members as they navigate hardships at the end of their careers and cheers on new grads or new staff, arming them with the confidence to turn to her as their voice with PEINU whenever needed. She is passionate, intelligent, and fiercely loyal.
Nominated By: Laurel Fraser