Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario

The Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO) is the professional association representing registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and nursing students across Ontario, Canada. Established in 1925, its core mission is to advocate for healthy public policy, promote excellence in nursing practice, and empower nurses to actively influence and shape decisions that affect both the profession and the public they serve. The association's headquarters are located in Toronto, Ontario.

RNAO provides a range of key services and programs, including the development and dissemination of Best Practice Guidelines (BPG) to inform and support evidence-based clinical practices within Ontario and internationally. The Best Practice Spotlight Organizations (BPSO) program further facilitates the implementation and evaluation of these guidelines in healthcare and academic settings. Additionally, RNAO offers its members benefits such as legal protection, educational events, access to nursing and health-care information, and networking opportunities. The association also operates RNCareers.ca, a dedicated career platform for nursing professionals.

Under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer Dr. Doris Grinspun and President NP Lhamo Dolkar (2025-2027), RNAO continues to be a prominent voice in Ontario's healthcare landscape. In April 2026, the association publicly opposed a plan to eliminate over 200 registered nurse positions at London Health Sciences Centre, emphasizing the critical role of RNs in patient care. During the same month, RNAO welcomed its largest-ever cohort to the Best Practice Spotlight Organization program. The association also released a new best practice guideline on Addressing Anti-Black Racism in Nursing in March 2026 and is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025, representing over 57,250 members.

Latest updates

Nursing Now Ontario Awards Recognize Three Nurses for Impactful Care

Event summary

  • The 7th annual Nursing Now Ontario Awards (NNOA) will honor three nurses for their contributions to healthcare in Ontario.
  • Over 200 nominations were received for the awards, highlighting the depth of nursing expertise in the province.
  • The recipients are Michelle Trinh (NP at Toronto Rehabilitation Institute), Valerie Fiset (RN with Champlain Regional Palliative Care Program), and Jamie Toner (RPN formerly with Rygiel Supports for Community Living).
  • The virtual ceremony will be held on May 15, 2026, during National Nursing Week (May 11-17, 2026).

The big picture

The Nursing Now Ontario Awards, aligned with global initiatives by the World Health Organization and the International Council of Nurses, underscore the critical role of nurses in advancing healthcare. The recognition of these three nurses highlights the diverse and impactful contributions of nursing professionals in Ontario, reinforcing the importance of their work in strengthening the healthcare system. The awards also serve as a platform to elevate the profession and inspire policy changes that advance health for all.

What we're watching

Professional Recognition
How the recognition of these nurses will impact the profile and influence of nursing professionals in Ontario.
Healthcare Leadership
Whether the awards will inspire more nurses to take on leadership roles in healthcare policy and practice.
Community Impact
The pace at which the recognized practices will be adopted by other healthcare providers to improve health outcomes.

Ontario Health Coalition Demands Climate Plan Reversal Amidst Economic and Public Health Concerns

Event summary

  • A coalition of health professionals, Indigenous leaders, and policy experts held a press conference and delivered a petition to MPP Peter Tabuns on April 22, 2026, demanding Ontario reinstate a science-based climate plan.
  • The coalition, including RNAO, CAPE, and Six Nations of the Grand River, cited concerns over the province's cancellation of climate targets and expansion of fossil fuel use.
  • The petition represents the support of hundreds of Ontarians advocating for a rapid transition to renewable energy.
  • The coalition estimates a robust climate plan could create thousands of green jobs and lower energy costs.

The big picture

The coalition's actions highlight a growing tension between the Ontario government's energy policy and the concerns of health professionals and Indigenous communities regarding climate change and public health. This represents a broader trend of stakeholders challenging government decisions on environmental and social grounds, potentially impacting the province's economic development and long-term sustainability goals. The coalition's focus on renewable energy and job creation suggests a strategy to frame climate action as an economic opportunity, rather than a burden.

What we're watching

Political Response
The Ontario government's response to the petition and coalition's demands will signal the degree to which public pressure influences policy decisions, particularly given the upcoming election cycle.
Indigenous Partnerships
The success of future renewable energy projects will depend on continued collaboration with Indigenous communities, as demonstrated by the existing fourteen contracts.
Municipal Alignment
The extent to which municipalities will continue to pursue green building standards and emissions reduction initiatives, despite provincial policy shifts, will be a key indicator of local resilience and future policy conflict.

Ontario Healthcare Groups Pressure Government on Climate Policy

Event summary

  • A coalition of healthcare and environmental groups (CAPE, OCEC, RNAO) is publicly lobbying the Ontario provincial government to reinstate a climate action plan.
  • The groups will hold a press conference on April 22, 2026, and a reception for MPPs on April 23, 2026, at Queen's Park.
  • The petition presented at the press conference calls for expanded renewable energy sources and a reinstated climate plan.
  • The coalition represents over 850,000 Ontarians through 275 signatory groups.

The big picture

The coordinated effort by prominent healthcare organizations to directly engage in climate policy advocacy signals a growing recognition of the direct link between environmental degradation and public health outcomes. This represents a shift in the climate advocacy landscape, leveraging the credibility and influence of the healthcare sector to drive policy change. The timing, coinciding with Earth Week, amplifies the message and aims to capitalize on heightened public awareness.

What we're watching

Political Response
The government's reaction to the petition and public pressure will indicate the likelihood of policy shifts, particularly given the coalition's broad representation.
Policy Impact
The extent to which the coalition's advocacy influences Ontario's energy transition strategy will reveal the power of healthcare-led climate action.
Public Sentiment
Continued public support for climate action, demonstrated through petition signatures and engagement, will be crucial for sustaining pressure on policymakers.

Turks & Caicos Hospital Adopts Evidence-Based Care, Expanding RNAO's Global Reach

Event summary

  • Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital (TCIH) has graduated from the Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario's (RNAO) Best Practice Spotlight Organization® (BPSO®) program.
  • TCIH implemented three RNAO Best Practice Guidelines (BPGs) over a three-year period, beginning in 2021.
  • The implemented BPGs focused on People-Centred Care, fall prevention, and pressure injury management.
  • RNAO conducted site visits and training sessions to support TCIH's implementation and champion network.

The big picture

This recognition highlights the growing importance of evidence-based practices in global healthcare, particularly in resource-constrained settings. RNAO's BPSO program represents a scalable model for quality improvement, demonstrating that even smaller hospitals can benefit from structured, research-driven care protocols. The program's international expansion suggests a broader trend toward standardized healthcare practices and a potential shift in how nursing associations influence clinical standards.

What we're watching

Implementation Pace
The hospital's ability to successfully implement the next two BPGs—Transitions in Care and Services and Pain Management—will be a key indicator of the program's long-term sustainability and scalability.
Geographic Expansion
RNAO’s BPSO program has over 1,500 participants internationally, and TCIH’s success may accelerate adoption in other Caribbean nations and beyond.
Funding Stability
The BPG Program's reliance on Ontario's Ministry of Health funding creates a potential vulnerability; shifts in provincial priorities could impact program scope and availability.

Ontario Health System Expands Evidence-Based Practice Initiative

Event summary

  • The Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO) has welcomed a record 31 health organizations to its Best Practice Spotlight Organization (BPSO) program.
  • These organizations will implement RNAO's Best Practice Guidelines (BPGs) over the next three years and evaluate their impact.
  • The orientation launch will take place April 14-15, 2026, featuring remarks from key figures including Minister Kusendova-Bashta and Dr. Velji.
  • The BPSO program, launched in 2003, now includes over 1,500 organizations globally.

The big picture

The RNAO's BPSO program represents a significant, albeit niche, effort to standardize and improve care delivery within Ontario's healthcare system. The expansion signals a growing recognition of the value of evidence-based practice, particularly as the province grapples with challenges like aging demographics and workforce shortages. This initiative also highlights the increasing role of professional associations in shaping healthcare policy and practice beyond direct patient care.

What we're watching

Implementation Scale
The success of this expanded program hinges on the ability of the 31 new organizations to effectively implement and integrate RNAO's BPGs, which could strain RNAO's coaching resources.
Funding Stability
Continued reliance on the Ontario Ministry of Health for funding creates a potential vulnerability; shifts in provincial priorities could impact the program's long-term sustainability.
Impact Measurement
Demonstrating tangible improvements in patient outcomes and organizational performance through BPG implementation will be crucial for justifying the program's ongoing investment and attracting further participation.

Ontario Hospital Restructuring Threatens RN Staffing Amidst Legal Challenges

Event summary

  • London Health Sciences Centre plans to eliminate over 200 registered nurse (RN) positions through attrition and retirement as part of a restructuring.
  • The Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO) is strongly criticizing the plan, citing concerns about patient care and increased workloads.
  • RNAO leadership, including President Lhamo Dolkar and CEO Doris Grinspun, argue the cuts are a response to the hospital's funding issues and past procurement lawsuit.
  • The restructuring follows a lawsuit related to past procurement practices at London Health Sciences Centre.

The big picture

This situation highlights the growing financial strain on Ontario's healthcare system, forcing difficult choices regarding staffing and service delivery. The reliance on attrition to reduce headcount suggests a deeper, systemic issue beyond immediate budget concerns. The RNAO's response underscores the increasing politicization of healthcare workforce management and the potential for escalating labor disputes.

What we're watching

Patient Outcomes
Reduced RN staffing levels will likely impact patient outcomes, potentially leading to increased error rates and longer recovery times, which could trigger further regulatory scrutiny.
Legal Risk
The ongoing lawsuit related to procurement practices at London Health Sciences Centre may intensify, potentially impacting the hospital's ability to secure future funding and further complicating staffing decisions.
Union Response
The RNAO's vocal opposition suggests potential for broader union action or legislative intervention regarding nurse staffing levels across Ontario’s healthcare system.

Ontario Budget Prioritizes Primary Care Amidst Climate and Social Safety Net Concerns

Event summary

  • Ontario's 2026 budget allocates $3.4 billion to primary care, including a new medical record system and expanded care teams.
  • An additional $124 million is earmarked for nursing education, with RNAO advocating for further expansion of nursing school seats.
  • The province is allocating $1 billion over three years to home care, with RNAO urging agencies to prioritize nurse compensation.
  • Funding for supervised consumption sites (SCS) has been eliminated, leading to a 69.5% increase in EMS opioid toxicity response calls since 2025.
  • Ontario has yet to sign an agreement with Ottawa to implement the National Pharmacare Plan, despite several other provinces doing so.

The big picture

Ontario's budget reflects a strategic shift towards community-based healthcare, acknowledging the strain on hospitals and the preference for accessible care. However, the simultaneous cuts to social programs and environmental initiatives create a policy dissonance that risks undermining the long-term health and well-being of the province's population. The government's choices signal a prioritization of immediate healthcare needs over broader social and environmental sustainability, potentially creating future systemic challenges.

What we're watching

Implementation Risk
The success of the primary care investments hinges on the province's ability to effectively integrate new teams and technology, and whether the promised expansion of care access materializes.
Political Pressure
The decision to end SCS funding will likely draw continued scrutiny and potential reversal, given the demonstrable negative impact on public health outcomes.
Federal Relations
Ontario's stance on the National Pharmacare Plan will determine access to essential medications for millions, and its alignment with other provinces will be a key indicator of intergovernmental cooperation.

Healthcare Guideline Development Incorporates Indigenous Knowledge Globally

Event summary

  • RNAO and GIN have launched the GIN Indigenous Communities Working Group to integrate Traditional Knowledge into healthcare guideline development.
  • A webinar will be held on March 4, 2026, to initiate dialogue between Indigenous researchers, Knowledge Keepers, and guideline developers.
  • RNAO has previously adapted best practice guidelines (BPGs) like 'Promoting Smoking Reduction' and is developing 'Promoting Life and Prevention of Indigenous Youth Suicide'.
  • GIN, with members in 56 countries, serves as a global connector for guideline development and maintains a large international guideline library.

The big picture

This partnership signals a growing recognition of the limitations of Western-centric healthcare approaches and the need to incorporate Indigenous knowledge systems to address systemic health inequities. The initiative's global scope suggests a broader movement towards culturally responsive healthcare, which could reshape guideline development and implementation practices worldwide. RNAO's existing BPG program provides a foundation for scaling this approach, but the long-term impact will depend on the ability to overcome methodological and governance challenges.

What we're watching

Methodological Shift
The adoption of 'Two-Eyed Seeing' and alternative methodologies will likely require significant retraining and adaptation within existing guideline development frameworks, potentially slowing initial implementation.
Governance Dynamics
The influence of Indigenous Knowledge Keepers and Elders on guideline content will necessitate a re-evaluation of traditional governance structures within GIN and RNAO, potentially leading to internal power shifts.
Global Adoption
The success of this initiative hinges on the willingness of healthcare systems in GIN’s 56 member countries to embrace culturally specific guidelines, which may face resistance due to existing protocols and resource constraints.

RNAO Guideline Addresses Anti-Black Racism in Nursing, Signals Broader Equity Push

Event summary

  • The Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO) released a 'Addressing Anti-Black Racism in Nursing' best practice guideline (BPG) on February 26, 2026.
  • Black nurses represent only 2.3% of the RN population in Canada, highlighting a significant underrepresentation.
  • The guideline includes recommendations for education, zero-tolerance policies, mentorship programs, and EDI committees.
  • The BPG was co-chaired by Dr. Bukola Salami and Dr. LaRon E. Nelson, representing the University of Calgary and Yale University respectively.
  • RNAO’s BPG program, funded by Ontario’s Ministry of Health, has developed over 50 guidelines since 1999.

The big picture

The RNAO's initiative reflects a growing recognition of systemic inequities within the Canadian healthcare system and a push for greater diversity in the nursing workforce. This BPG represents a formalized effort to address a critical gap in representation and improve patient outcomes by ensuring a more inclusive and culturally competent nursing workforce. The guideline's global novelty signals a potential shift in standards for nursing professional organizations.

What we're watching

Implementation
The success of this guideline hinges on its adoption and integration into nursing education programs and healthcare institutions, which will require significant resource allocation and leadership buy-in.
Backlash Risk
The guideline's release comes amid a reported 'growing backlash to EDI efforts,' suggesting potential resistance and challenges in its widespread acceptance and enforcement.
Intersectionality
The guideline’s emphasis on intersectionality will require organizations to address complex, overlapping forms of discrimination, potentially complicating implementation and necessitating specialized training.

RNAO Challenges Healthcare Equity Backlash with Anti-Racism Guideline

Event summary

  • The Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO) will release a best practice guideline, 'Addressing Anti-Black Racism in Nursing,' on February 26, 2026.
  • The guideline outlines evidence-based strategies to dismantle systemic racism and advance equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in healthcare settings.
  • RNAO represents over 57,250 registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and nursing students in Ontario.
  • A panel discussion featuring healthcare leaders and anti-racism specialists will follow the media conference at RNAO headquarters.

The big picture

RNAO's initiative arrives at a critical juncture, as healthcare systems globally grapple with the intersection of systemic inequities and rising social tensions. The release of this guideline signals a proactive stance against a growing trend of rolling back DEI programs, potentially setting a precedent for other professional organizations. The guideline's effectiveness will depend on its ability to translate aspirational goals into measurable outcomes across a complex and often resistant healthcare landscape.

What we're watching

Implementation Risk
The guideline's success hinges on buy-in and concrete action from Ontario's healthcare institutions, regulators, and professional bodies, which may face resource constraints or resistance to change.
Political Backlash
Given the stated concern about equity initiatives being dismantled elsewhere, RNAO's commitment to EDI will be tested by potential political or regulatory pushback.
Accountability
The guideline emphasizes accountability; tracking the metrics of representation, retention, and workplace safety will be crucial to assess the program's long-term impact.
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