Addressing health inequities during the COVID-19 pandemic through leadership and competence in system transformation During COVID-19, pandemic community health nurses (CHNs) witnessed greater health inequities with people in situations of marginalization. The Community Health Nurses of Canada (CHNC) Leadership Standing Committee, in collaboration with the National Collaborating Centre for the Determinants of Health, and Brandon University, conducted a national survey to explore how health inequities among client populations contributed to moral distress and identification of solutions. The survey was completed by 245 nurses and their responses revealed several solutions including: advance health equity; expand community relationships and partnerships; strengthen leadership and management; ensure quality care with professional nursing practice; and enhance safety, health and wellness for nurses. The CHNs identified leadership competence in system transformation and engaging others as most important in achieving these solutions. Learning outcomes include: Describe how health inequities among client populations contributed to moral distress among CHNs during the COVID-19 pandemic Examine solutions to address health inequities through leadership in system transformation