The Nova Scotia Secondary School Students’ Association (NSSSA) has been empowering youth through leadership since its founding in the early 1990s. What began as a bold idea among a few passionate student leaders has grown into one of Canada’s most respected student-led organizations.

The Spark: 1991–1992

The roots of NSSSA trace back to 1991, when Tyler Hayden founded the United Councils of Lunenburg County (UCLC). This early coalition of student councils advocated for student health and engagement, including a campaign to install condom dispensers in high schools. Around the same time, Nova Scotian student leaders like Andrew DeMond (Park View) and Mark Fraser (Halifax West) connected with peers at the Canadian Student Leadership Conference and were inspired by the former Ontario Secondary School Students’ Association (OSSSA).

With support from OSSSA’s cabinet and advisors, and the guidance of dedicated educators like Cameron Morrison, the first NSSSA conference, LINK, was held in 1992. It brought together over 100 students and marked the official launch of the NSSSA.

Building the Movement

From its inception, NSSSA was designed to be “for students, by students.” The organization was modeled after OSSSA but adapted to meet the unique needs of Nova Scotia’s schools. Halifax West students and advisors played a key role in shaping the early structure.

By 1998, NSSSA had established a strong foundation of regional and provincial leadership. The organization expanded rapidly, eventually hosting up to 14 student leadership conferences annually, serving thousands of junior and senior high school students across the province.

The Role of Advisors

Behind every successful student leader is a dedicated advisor. NSSSA’s advisors have played a vital role in supporting youth empowerment while maintaining the continuity and values of the organization. As the late Lorne Abramson (affectionately known as “Abe”), a veteran advisor for NSSSA, shared:

“The fine line that advisors walk in supporting youth empowerment and not being too ‘in your face’ is difficult at times. Advisors maintain the continuity in an organization that rolls over one third of its membership each year […] We encourage our leaders to be innovative but to stay true to the values of the NSSSA.”

Advisors like Abe have helped shape generations of student leaders, offering mentorship, guidance, and unwavering support.

A Living Legacy

Today, NSSSA continues to thrive as a student-led, volunteer-driven organization. Its conferences, training retreats, and leadership programs have left a lasting impact on thousands of young people across Nova Scotia.

As we look ahead, we remain grounded in the values that started it all: servant leadership, safe and heroic atmospheres, and the belief that youth have the power to lead, inspire, and change the world.