President's Message

NURSES ARE BOLD, COMMITTED AND UNITED

As summer begins, I’m taking a moment to reflect with deep pride and gratitude on the incredible strength and resilience of BCNU members. Day after day, you show up not just as nurses, but as leaders, advocates and changemakers. You aren’t just calling for a better health-care system – you’re building it.

Our recent annual convention was a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish together. Members from across the province came together to share stories, strengthen our collective voice and advance our union’s work. The energy in the room was electric – a testament to the passion and commitment that define our union.

This year’s theme, Bold, Committed and United, couldn’t be more fitting. It’s who we are: nurses fighting for safer workplaces, better conditions and a health-care system that works for everyone. And when challenges arise, we meet them head on.

On the final day of convention, more than 500 members took to the streets in Vancouver to speak out against workplace violence, united in purpose and voice. Our message was unmistakable: violence is not part of the job.

We were joined by allies from the BC General Employees’ Union, the Health Sciences Association of BC, the Saskatchewan Union of Nurses, the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions, and US-based National Nurses United, all calling for urgent action to make our workplaces safer. Together, we raised our voices – loud, united and impossible to ignore. We’re deeply grateful to our health-care allies for joining us in solidarity.

The unity we forged at convention fuels the work ahead. Just one week later, BCNU members brought that same determined spirit to the CFNU Biennial Convention in Niagara Falls, where we joined 1,200 unionized nurses from across Canada to shape a national vision for safer workplaces, stronger professional standards and a more sustainable future for nursing.

Alongside Vice President Tristan Newby and the CFNU National Executive Board, I delivered our union's formal apology to First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples for the harms perpetuated by Canada's health-care system – and for our profession's historical silence in the face of discrimination and racism. We reaffirmed our commitment to do better as allies in the ongoing work to address system inequities through our actions, our leadership, and the care we provide.

As we prepare for provincial contract negotiations later this fall, we move forward with focus, clarity and the unshakable resolve that comes from our collective strength. You’ve given us a strong mandate - and we will fight to maintain our 100% employer-paid benefits. We know what’s at stake and we’re ready to do everything it takes to protect the benefits our members have earned.

Over the summer, BCNU will be hosting virtual town halls and other opportunities to learn more about what’s at stake in this round of collective bargaining. You’ll be able to ask questions, hear from subject matter experts, and get informed. We’re counting on your participation to build the power we need at the bargaining table.

We’re also continuing the fight to ensure minimum nurse-to-patient ratios are implemented exactly as agreed to by government. These ratios are essential to delivering safe, high-quality patient care and to improving working conditions for nurses. We will hold the government accountable.

This June, we honour Indigenous History Month, an opportunity to recognize the leadership, rich histories and ongoing contributions of Indigenous Peoples across these lands. We also celebrate Pride Month and the resilience and contributions of 2SLGBTQ+ communities. BCNU remains unwavering in its commitment to inclusion, equity, and justice. This month calls on all of us to learn, reflect and actively support meaningful change – in health care and beyond.

Mark your calendars for BCNU Day on June 11 and join us in celebrating the founding of our union when 200 nurses came together at the Empress Hotel in Victoria to demand better working conditions, quality patient care and a stronger health-care system. Be sure to visit the BCNU Member Portal to take the BCNU Day quiz before midnight on June 11 and test your knowledge of minimum nurse-to-patient ratios and steward roles ahead of the June 17-19 steward elections. Stewards are the backbone of our union. I want to thank everyone who submitted a nomination, and I encourage everyone to vote for the members who will advocate for nurses at their worksites.

Throughout the summer, you’ll see our campaign vehicles hitting the road and bringing BCNU’s message of safer, stronger and more sustainable health care at community events across the province. Be sure to pay us a visit. We are always looking for volunteers. Visit the events calendar at bcnu.org to find out when we will be rolling through your town.

BCNU members have never waited for change; we create it. With every challenge, you’ve led with courage, compassion and an unbreakable spirit. As we head into bargaining and continue our work to strengthen the health-care system, let’s carry that same energy forward. And amid it all, remember to take care of yourself. Make time for rest, connection and the simple joy of long summer days with the people who matter most.

Let’s keep building, keep showing up, and keep making history — together.

In solidarity,