https://www.cna-aiic.ca/fr/blogs/ic-contenu/2025/05/20/laiic-accueille-terre-neuve-et-labrador-et-lalbert
May 20, 2025 — The Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) is excited to announce a significant membership expansion, welcoming Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) as its first Chapter and Alberta Association of Nurses (AAN) as our inaugural Organizational affiliate in our newly expanded membership models. The move will strengthen the unity and influence of the nursing profession across Canada, bringing together like-minded organizations that support nurses across the country.
This exciting announcement highlights CNA’s mission to amplify the voices of nurses at both provincial/territorial and federal levels. By introducing Chapter and Organizational affiliate models, CNA continues to evolve the ways in which members can join our growing Association, complementing our existing membership models; individual member or specialty nursing association affiliate as part of the Canadian Network of Nursing Specialties.
“The integration of Newfoundland and Labrador and Alberta marks a historic milestone in our journey to unify and empower nurses nationwide,” said Dr. Valerie Grdisa, CNA CEO. “Together, we can drive transformative change in nursing and health policy and advocate for system transformation that benefits all Canadians.”
“AAN’s newly announced joint membership model reflects both organizations’ dedication to fostering collaboration and enabling nurses to achieve greater collective impact,” added Kathy Howe, CEO of AAN. “By working together at the provincial and federal level, AAN is leaning in to calls to increase collaboration to strengthen the health workforce and drive health system transformation, ultimately better supporting nurses now and into the future.”
“Joining CNA as its first official Chapter is a proud and defining moment for nursing in Newfoundland and Labrador, said Cheryl Dyke, co-chair of the NL-CNA Chapter steering committee. “This achievement is a culmination of the efforts initiated by the NL Nurses Association Working Group and now continued by the steering committee,” added Madge Applin, chair of the NL Nurses Association Working Group. “By working together, the collective voices of the nursing profession are strengthened in advocating for policy directions to enhance health, improve health care, and transform the health-care system.”
As CNA welcomes the NL Chapter and AAN as partners and invites nurses, nursing students, retired nurses, and nursing organizations in both jurisdictions and nationwide to join in amplifying the voice of nursing, shaping the future of health care, and improving health outcomes for all.
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About the Canadian Nurses Association
The Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) is the national and global professional voice of Canadian nursing. Our mission is to advance the nursing profession to improve health outcomes in Canada’s publicly funded, not-for-profit health system. CNA is the only national association that speaks for all nurses in all sectors and practice settings across all 13 provinces and territories. We represent unionized and non-unionized nurses, retired nurses, nursing students, and all categories of nurses (licensed and registered practical nurses, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and registered psychiatric nurses).
About the Alberta Association of Nurses
The Alberta Association of Nurses (AAN) is the first professional association for all Alberta nurses, including LPNs, RNs, RPNs, NPs, nursing students, and retired nurses. Formed in 2022, its mandate is to enhance, promote, and advocate on behalf of the nursing profession. AAN’s purpose is to advance our members and the nursing profession through collective advocacy, member benefits, meaningful connection, and professional development. To learn more about the AAN, visit albertanursing.ca, or connect with AAN on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.
About the Newfoundland & Labrador-CNA Chapter Steering Committee
The Newfoundland and Labrador Chapter Steering Committee was established in January 2025 by nurses in Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as representatives from the Canadian Nurses Association. The Chapter aims to represent and support nurses in the province, promote the nursing profession, and advance nursing practice and advocacy efforts.
For more information, please contact:
Amber Morley
Media and Communications Coordinator
Cell: 613-282-7859
Email: amorley@cna-aiic.ca
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