Convention
BCNU Convention 2025
The BC Nurses' Union annual convention was held from May 26 to May 28, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Vancouver, located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded lands of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh peoples. This year’s theme, Bold, Committed, and United, highlights the values nurses uphold in their work, union activism and communities.
Agenda-at-a-Glance
Monday, May 26
- President’s Opening Remarks
- Vice President's Report
- Provincial Treasurer's Report
- Executive Councillor, Occupational Health & Safety and Mental Health
- Executive Councillor, Pensions and Seniors Health
- CEO Report
- Executive Director Reports
- Keynote Speaker
Convention 2025 - Day 1 Summary
Tuesday, May 27
- Canadian Federation of Nurses Union Presentation
- Proposed Bylaws Amendments
- BCNU Leadership Awards
Convention 2025 - Day 2 Summary
Wednesday, May 28
- Rally
- Resolutions
- Nominations Committee Election
- President's Closing Remarks
Convention 2025 - Day 3 Summary
Keynote Speaker
Catherine Kennedy, RN is a president of National Nurses United (NNU), the largest U.S. union of registered nurses. She is also a president of NNU affiliate California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee (CNA/NNOC).
A registered nurse of more than 40 years, Kennedy currently works in the neonatal intensive care unit at Kaiser Permanente in Roseville, California.
Kennedy has testified to U.S. Congress, served as a commissioner to the California Healthcare Workforce Policy Commission, served as a member of the California Health Workforce Education and Training Council, and volunteered with NNU’s disaster relief project, the Registered Nurse Response Network.
Convention Charity of Choice
The Salal Sexual Violence Support Centre was selected by BCNU convention host region Richmond Vancouver as 2025's charity recipient. The union kicked-off the fundraising efforts with a $2,500 donation. Richmond Vancouver then organized a successful raffle and 50/50 draw for delegates. Members were also invited to contribute to the Salal online until June 6. These combined efforts raised a record $22,960.
Salal, founded in Vancouver in 1982, offers free-of-charge anti-oppressive, decolonizing, intersectional feminist support to survivors of sexualized violence. Their services are open to women, trans, Two-Spirit, non-binary, and gender diverse people. The organization advocates for social and systemic change through education, outreach, and activism.
Opportunity for Observers
BCNU’s annual convention is open to observers, with five seats available in the observer gallery each day. Members wishing to attend must be in good standing and present identification at the registration desk. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis daily.
Observers must remain seated in the gallery, and no expenses (including travel, hotel, or salary replacement) will be covered by the union.
Frequently Asked Questions
I am a member who would like to attend the BCNU 2025 Annual Convention and observe the proceedings. What do I need to do?
As space is limited in the observer gallery, observers will need to arrive at the Hyatt Regency Hotel and be one of the first 5 registrants of the day. Once successfully registered, you will be provided with a badge for the day. You need to do this for each day you wish to attend.
I am a member who would like to attend the BCNU 2025 Annual Convention, but I was not one of the first five people registering for the day. Can I attend?
Due to space, once capacity in the observer gallery has been reached, we will not be able to accommodate any more. You may try again another day.
As a member in the observer gallery, may I move motions or vote on motions?
Only delegates, those who comprise the voting body pursuant to the BCNU Constitution and Bylaws, may move motions or vote on any motions.
As a member in the observer gallery, may I ask any questions about the reports?
Unfunded observers may be recognized by the presiding officer, in the order indicated in the Convention Rules and Privileges.
Unfunded observers should let convention staff know ahead of the agenda item they would like to speak to. Staff will ensure the Sergeant-at-Arms is made aware to escort the member from the observer gallery to the mics on the convention floor and back to the gallery.
If recognized by the presiding officer, the unfunded observer would have the time allotted in the Convention Rules and Privileges.
As a member in the observer gallery, may I speak during the open forum?
Unfunded observers may be recognized by the presiding officer, in the order indicated in the Convention Rules and Privileges.
Unfunded observers should let convention staff know ahead of the agenda item they would like to speak to. Staff will ensure the Sergeant-at-Arms can be made aware to escort the member from the observer gallery to the mics on the convention floor and back to the gallery.
Once recognized by the presiding officer, the unfunded observer would proceed with identifying their name, their region, and their status (i.e., unfunded observer) at the mic. The unfunded observer will have the time allotted in the Convention Rules and Privileges.
I am a member who has been registered as an unfunded observer for the day, and I submitted a proposed bylaw amendment or resolution. What is the process if I would like to speak to the motion I submitted?
Unfunded observers should let convention staff know of their request to speak, once registered for the observer gallery.
The Sergeant-at-Arms will be made aware so they can escort the unfunded observer from the observer gallery to the convention floor and return when the item is presented for discussion.
According to the Convention Rules and Privileges, the unfunded observer should request permission to speak.
Once recognized by the presiding officer, the unfunded observer would proceed with identifying their name, their region, their status (i.e., unfunded observer), and that they are speaking to the motion on the floor. The unfunded observer will have the time allotted in the Convention Rules and Privileges.
Upon completion of their time allotted in the Convention Rules and Privileges the unfunded observer will return to the observer gallery. The presiding officer would then proceed.
I am a member who has been registered as an unfunded observer for the day. May I speak to proposed bylaw amendments or resolutions?
Unfunded observers may be recognized by the presiding officer, in the order indicated in the Convention Rules and Privileges.
It is requested that unfunded observers let convention staff know ahead of the agenda item in which they would like to speak so that the Sergeant-at-Arms can be made aware to escort the member from the observer gallery to the convention floor and return.
According to the Convention Rules and Privileges, the unfunded observer should request permission to speak. Once recognized by the presiding officer, the unfunded observer would proceed with identifying their name, their region, their status (i.e., unfunded observer), and that they are speaking to the motion on the floor. The unfunded observer will have the time allotted in the Convention Rules and Privileges.
Upon completion of their time allotted in the Convention Rules and Privileges the unfunded observer will return to the observer gallery.
The order of speakers is delegate, alternate, funded observer, unfunded observer, and guest.
What are the rules governing my ability to speak if I am recognized to address the Convention by the presiding officer?
Any speaker who requests to speak and is recognized by the chair, would be required to follow the Convention Rules and Privileges. The Rules and Privileges are adopted by the delegates at the outset of the first day of the Annual Convention. Speakers will be limited to the approved times and restrictions.
Am I allowed to record, either by photo, audio, or video file, any portion of the BCNU 2025 Annual Convention?
As per the Convention Rules and Privileges, attendees will not share, record, or broadcast any specific information or aspect of the event.
About Convention
BCNU hosts an annual convention each year. This is an opportunity for members to come together and discuss the business of the union. Delegates to convention are elected at regional meetings in advance of the convention date. Each region is assigned a specific number of delegates to attend. If you are interested in attending, please contact your regional chair for more information about the process.
BCNU Convention 2024
View the convention highlights from 2024: