https://www.cna-aiic.ca/fr/blogs/ic-contenu/2025/07/14/laiic-publie-une-version-renouvelee-du-cdd
July 14, 2025 (Ottawa, Ontario) – The Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) is proud to release the 2025 edition of the Code of Ethics for Nurses, a refreshed national ethical framework for all categories of regulated nurses across Canada. For the first time, the Code was co-created with all regulated nurses—licensed and registered practical nurses, registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and registered psychiatric nurses—marking a major step toward national alignment in nursing ethics.
This updated Code reflects the evolving nature of nursing and the current realities nurses face in their practice. It introduces a modernized approach to ethics that responds to Canada’s diverse health needs, strengthens the profession’s leadership role, and reaffirms nursing’s commitment to equity and social justice.
“The 2025 Code recognizes the complexities of today’s health system and the critical role nurses play in promoting safe, inclusive, and ethical care,” said CNA president Dr. Kimberly LeBlanc. “It offers guidance that reflects current challenges while honouring the foundational values of the nursing profession.”
Key Enhancements in the 2025 Code of Ethics Include:
- Reconciliation and anti-racism: A strong emphasis on addressing colonization, systemic inequities, and the ethical responsibilities nurses hold in advancing reconciliation.
- Nurse well-being: New guidance on self-care, psychological safety, and shared accountability for supportive work environments.
- Contemporary ethical challenges: Clear principles for navigating complex care situations such as medical assistance in dying (MAID), harm reduction, and gender-affirming care.
- Leadership in practice: Recognition of the ethical responsibilities of all nurses as leaders, whether formal or informal.
- Modernized language and format: A user-friendly structure with seven core values and guiding principles that apply across all practice settings and nursing designations.
“The new Code of Ethics for Nurses helps nurses lead with integrity and compassion, whether they are providing direct care, leading interprofessional teams, making policy decisions, or educating, the next generation,” said CNA CEO Dr. Valerie Grdisa. “It is designed to support ethical practice in real-world settings and strengthen public trust in the profession.”
The 2025 Code of Ethics for Nurses replaces the previous edition published in 2017. It applies to all categories of nurses in Canada: licensed and registered practical nurses, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and registered psychiatric nurses.
The Code is now available online at: Ethics - Canadian Nurses Association
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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).
For more information, please contact:
Alexandre Bourassa
Director, Government Relations and Communications
Cell: 613-697-7497
Email: abourassa@cna-aiic.ca
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