Nursing Week 2025: Advocacy in action
For Nursing Week 2025 (May 12–18), we proudly supported the introduction of Bill 19, the Patient-to-Nurse Ratios for Hospitals Act, at Queen’s Park, with our CEO Dianne Martin joining MPP France Gélinas for a press conference to call for safe staffing ratios that prioritize the well-being of nurses and the safety of patients. Dianne spent the day meeting with political leaders, including MPP Gélinas, Liberal Health Critic Adil Shamji, and MPP Tyler Watt (also a registered nurse), ensuring decision-makers are equipped with the insights needed to make informed choices that optimize the RPN contribution and, by extension, the entire healthcare system.
We amplified this work across our social channels, sharing a behind-the-scenes video of Dianne’s day at Queen’s Park and publishing a statement on our website in the midst of our broader WeRPN programming for Nursing Week, which included harm reduction and therapeutic writing workshops, a fireside chat with recent Liberal candidate and RPN Ashley Fox, and the Nursing Now Awards.
Supporting investments in Ontario’s nursing workforce
In August, WeRPN was invited to Sheridan College for an Ontario government announcement of $56.8 million in funding to add 2,200 new nursing education seats at colleges and universities across Ontario.
WeRPN has been a proactive and essential partner, consistently advocating for measures to strengthen Ontario’s nursing pipeline, including expanding access to education and training for future RPNs. CEO Dianne Martin represented our members and emphasized the importance of ensuring that new graduates are supported to enter – and remain in — the profession with Ministers and MPPs.
We were also delighted to announce the renewal of annual funding for our Bridging Educational Grant in Nursing (BEGIN) program, which has played a vital role in enhancing professional development, fostering leadership, and improving patient care throughout the province. In the coming year, we will also focus advocacy efforts on renewal of the Nursing Education Initiative (NEI) funding.
We will continue to work with government to ensure that investments in nursing education are matched with strategies to retain experienced nurses, improve working conditions, and support safe staffing levels across all sectors. Investing in nurses is investing in the health of all Ontarians.
Celebrating RPNs and shaping the future at our 67th AGM
On October 23 &24, WeRPN members from across Ontario will gather in Markham for our 67th Annual General Meeting and Conference.
This year’s theme, Today’s RPN Redefined: Practical Meets Incredible, will celebrate the evolution of the role of the RPN and the extraordinary impact over 60,000 RPNs make every day in hospitals, long-term care facilities, retirement homes, and communities.
Over two days, members will enjoy video greetings from key politicians including Minister of Health Sylvia Jones, Minister of Long-Term Care Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, NDP Shadow Minister for Health France Gelinas, and Liberal Health Critic Adil Shamji. Members can also attend inspiring keynote presentations and breakout sessions on topics like wound care, clinical workshops, IPAC, updates from CNO, the impacts of AI on healthcare delivery and more.
This year’s AGM will be a true celebration of our profession and chance to connect to strengthen our collective voice, while learning from one another. Visit our event page for more information.
Looking ahead: Spring Advocacy Day 2026
This spring, we’ll be heading back to Queen’s Park for our annual Advocacy Day. There’s no better way to amplify our message than by bringing RPN voices directly to the doorstep of government.
Through targeted meetings with elected officials and a lunch reception, we’ll share the lived realities and experiences of RPNs working in hospitals, long-term care facilities, retirement homes, and communities across Ontario. These conversations will ensure government leaders understand the critical role RPNs play in delivering high-quality care and the urgent need to address the challenges you face, including renewal of key funding streams.
Face-to-face advocacy is one of the most powerful tools we have to create change, and our members are a critical part of this advocacy. Stay tuned for details on how you can get involved and help make the voices of RPNs heard.
