CFNU Biennial Convention Wraps Up
The Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions (CFNU) wrapped up its biennial convention in Charlottetown, PEI on Friday, June 9. The week united nurses from across the country, including BCNU’s Provincial Executive Committee, council and regional delegates who had the opportunity to build new relationships, re-connect with nursing colleagues from across Canada and be inspired to work collaboratively to address the challenges our health-care system faces from coast to coast.
The National Executive Board kicked off convention by marking World Environment Day on June 5 with the planting of a red oak tree to symbolize the powerful impact individuals have on the environment and a reminder for all of us to take an active role in safeguarding the environment for future generations.
The first of two education days began with energetic welcoming remarks by CFNU President Linda Silas and a land acknowledgement by Indigenous Leader Jamie Thomas. BCNU’s own Hanif Karim moderated the first plenary panel that invited delegates to reimagine equity, solidarity, unionism and allyship. The learning continued as delegates chose from among 10 educational workshops on topics that included psychological health and safety, protecting and advancing public health care, truth and reconciliation and the social determinants of health.
Days three and four of the convention focused on union business with delegates setting the strategic direction of CFNU, between now and the next biennium, through the debate and vote on resolutions brought forward by member organizations from across Canada.
“I cannot underscore the significance of our union rejoining CFNU. This is the future of advocacy for nurses at a national level. We are stronger together, and this past week has proven that,” says President Aman Grewal. “As we build relationships with our sister unions across the country, we gain momentum for the kind of positive change our health care system needs.”
CFNU’s convention concluded with over 1,000 nurses rallying in Charlottetown on Friday to bring attention to the dire staffing shortage plaguing the country’s health-care system. Nurses marched through downtown Charlottetown to Confederation Landing where they staged a die-in demonstrating the impact unsafe staffing has on nurses and patients.
Highlights of each convention day are available below: