President’s Closing Remarks: “We are ready to defend what matters.”
BCNU President Adriane Gear’s closed Convention 2026 with a clear message: the coming weeks will define the future of the nursing profession in BC.
“Everything we’ve talked about over the last three days – workload, safety, staffing, respect – has led to this moment,” she said. “A match has been struck.”
Gear was referring to an upcoming provincewide strike vote from May 8–11 that will determine the next phase of negotiations for the Nurses’ Bargaining Association (NBA) provincial collective agreement.
“What happens in this vote will send a clear message about the strength and unity of nurses across the province,” she said. “A strong yes vote builds real power at the table.”
She urged delegates to carry the momentum of convention back to their worksites and mobilize their co-workers.
“A strong union depends on members who are willing to show up and engage,” she said. “And this week, you did exactly that. Now we need to bring that energy back to every worksite and every conversation.”
Gear’s remarks capped three days of connection, discussion and demonstration, including an energetic rally where hundreds of nurses marched through downtown Vancouver shouting “We care for you – care for us!” as passersby cheered and drivers honked their horns in support.
She went on to thank leaders from the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions, the United Nurses of Alberta, the Nova Scotia Nurses’ Union and union allies from across British Columbia for their solidarity and support in BCNU’s contract fight.
“We’re so proud to have all of them on our side,” she said.
Closing her remarks, Gear underscored what is at stake.
“This isn’t about one issue – it’s about respect,” she said. “Voting ‘yes’ means we are ready to defend what matters.”
Gear ended by thanking members for the energy and commitment they showed throughout convention.
“This is what ‘Together, We Rise’ looks like.”