Topic: Today’s News

Ponca Tribe of OK Makes History Declaring Rights of Rivers

Ponca Nation, Turtle Island: On July 6th, 2022, the Ponca nation made history for the protection of water. The Ponca Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma Business Committee unanimously adopted a new statute recognizing the “immutable Rights of Rivers” for two rivers and other water bodies that flow through their territory, Ní’skà, (the Arkansas River) and Ni’ží’dè, (the Salt Fork River). In 2016 they were also the first tribe in the US to recognize the Rights of Nature to help stop fossil fuel projects on Ponca territory.

The Rights of Nature is the fastest growing environmental movement in history with 24 countries and 9 tribes passing laws in the US and Canada. Globally Indigenous peoples have led the Rights of Nature movement because our cosmology recognizes that human laws must realign with the laws of the natural world. Western law says the Earth is property. Indigenous wisdom understands humans are a part of nature, not owners of it and we have an obligation to protect it.

Ni’zide and Ni’ska rivers not only run through Ponca territory, they flow from the north and west, then downstream throughout Oklahoma. “Water is sacred and our survival depends on our ability to place human activities within the boundaries of the Earth’s ability to absorb what we do,” says Casey Camp Horinek, Ponca elder who serves as the Tribe’s Environmental Ambassador and who presented the Rights of Rivers as well as the Rights of Nature laws to the Ponca Business Committee for their approval. “This is just another step in protecting the sacred waters which are the life sources of all things on Mother Earth, not just for our tribe. We have so much to learn from our waters, everything upstream impacts everything downstream, we are all connected.”


The environmental impacts of fossil fuels played a big part in the Ponca tribes’ decision to adopt laws recognizing ecosystem rights. The tribe lives in a fossil fuel epicenter of fracking, pipelines, petrochemical plants, and refineries. No Ponca family is untouched by industry-related illnesses and deaths.

Ponca Chairman Oliver Littlecook says, “Politicians and Big Oil call it ‘economic progress’. The Ponca call it ‘environmental genocide’. We can do better for our communities without sacrificing the water.” Tens of thousands of man-made earthquakes caused by fracking and toxic waste injection wells create cracks in the pipelines, leaching into ground and well water. For decades the tribe has had to purchase drinkable water from Ponca City and today the new well water system is in extreme danger of pollution as well as possibly drying up as the groundwater is being siphoned off by surrounding industries.

“All of this destruction to human and natural communities has been legalized, but thanks in great part to leadership like the Ponca nation, this is changing,” says Shannon Biggs, co-founder of Movement Rights, an organization that has supported the tribe’s work. “Our legal system talks in terms of ‘rights’” says Biggs, “But from an Indigenous perspective this is really about recognizing our human responsibilities to protect the health of ecosystems and waterways that ensure all communities can survive and thrive.”

There are 39 sovereign Indigenous Nation/Tribes in Oklahoma, many of which are located along these rivers and tributaries, as well as tribes in adjacent states. Some have expressed interest in joining in an intertribal effort to protect the rivers. Along with passing this Rights of Rivers law, the Ponca Nation will be hosting the first of four statewide gatherings along the rivers on September 21 and 22, 2022. The “Convening of the 4 Winds” will bring together 200-400 local and regional tribal communities, national Indigenous Rights and climate justice allies. The purpose of these gatherings is to promote discussion about Indigenous-led water protection, tribally-led scientific studies and ceremony and the role of Rights of Nature in supporting healthy river systems for all.

Casey adds, “We must always remember that we humans are not protecting Nature, we ARE Nature protecting itself.”

APPLY NOW! 2022 INDIGENOUS LAW STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP

As part of our commitment to supporting the development of Indigenous lawyers, First Peoples Law offers an annual scholarship to an Indigenous law student with a demonstrated commitment to serving and advancing the interests of Indigenous Peoples.

Everyone at First Peoples Law is extremely excited for the opportunity to support the scholarship recipients in their studies. We are confident they will make important contributions to defending the rights of Indigenous Peoples across Canada.

Applications for this year’s $10,000 scholarship are now open! The deadline is July 31, 2022. 

Click here to apply.

Download poster.

Meet last year’s winners.

Anishinabek Nation to host virtual engagement sessions on UNDRIP

ANISHINABEK NATION TERRITORY—The Anishinabek Nation will be conducting engagement sessions pertaining to the newly enacted United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP) Act.

The Anishinabek Nation Legal Department will be hosting 14 virtual sessions to educate and gather feedback about the UNDRIP Act and its articles pertaining to inherent treaty rights. The virtual sessions have been designed to be delivered in a format related to the Anishinaabe traditional teachings of the Dodemaag (Clan) System and their respective functions and responsibilities.

The UNDRIP Act, which came into effect on June 21, 2021, recognizes inherent and treaty rights of Indigenous People and can drive a path forward towards transformative change in regard to greater equality and addressing all forms of racism and discrimination in Canada. The Act establishes a universal framework of minimum standards for the survival, dignity, and well-being of Indigenous People of the world regarding human rights and fundamental freedoms. UNDRIP has 46 statements or articles that recognize Indigenous rights to cultural and ceremonial expression, identity, language, employment, health, education, and others. UNDRIP also includes rights to maintain and strengthen Indigenous institutions, cultures, and traditions, and to pursue development in keeping with our needs and aspirations.

The Anishinabek Nation encourages Anishinabek Nation First Nations leadership, staff, and citizens to assist in embarking on changing Indigenous history and paving a way forward towards improving the road ahead for our future generations. Citizens are welcomed to attend the upcoming virtual sessions to bring forward critical feedback and/or matters as they relate to the key aspects of UNDRIP. The Anishinabek Nation will be gathering all feedback provided on what Anishinabek would like to see in Canada’s 10-year action plan and what changes need to happen within federal legislation over the next decade. A report will be submitted to the federal government outlining feedback and identifying priorities of needed federal legislative change.

Virtual engagement sessions will be held via Zoom on the following dates and issues:

  • July 14, 2022: Waabizheshii (Marten) Dodem – Lands and Resources, Mining, Economic Development, Agriculture, and Housing;
  • July 26, 2022: Waawaashkesh (Deer) Dodem – Social Development, Child Well-Being, Child Welfare, and other issues;
  • August 10, 2022: Migizii (Eagle) Dodem – Education, Culture and Language, and other issues;
  • August 24, 2022: Ajijaak (Crane) Dodem – Family Relations, Matrimonial Real Property (MRP), and Youth;
  • September 7, 2022: Shiikenh (Turtle) Dodem – Justice, and Criminal Law;
  • September 21, 2022: Maang (Loon) Dodem – Equality and Discrimination, Wills and Estates, Employment and Labour, Human Rights; and
  • October 5, 2022: Mukwaa (Bear) Dodem – Health, Policing, Military, and other issues.

If you or anyone from your First Nation would like to participate in these sessions or would like to request a separate session, please contact Anishinabek Nation’s Justice Manager Kristy Jones: kristy.jones@anishinabek.ca. Virtual engagement sessions registration available here.

A survey is also available to collect feedback from Anishinabek Nation citizens on UNDRIP. The survey is available here.

Prestigious National Teaching Award for Director of the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies at Trent University

“Prof. Newhouse’s creativity, compassion and dedication have underpinned his excellence as a teacher of Indigenous and non-Indigenous students. His decades long leadership of the Indigenous Studies program at Trent has led to transformative change within individuals, and within educational institutions throughout Canada, bringing more prominence to and acceptance of Indigenous Knowledge (IK) within the academy,” shares Dr. Michael Khan, provost and vice-president Academic at Trent University. “Professor Newhouse has steadfastly committed to teaching at all levels, and Trent has benefited particularly from his mentorship and guidance of first-year students, the teaching of whom he views as a ‘privilege’.”

As a talented and inspiring educator in Indigenous Studies, Prof. Newhouse has supported many landmark achievements at Trent University including the launch of Canada’s first Indigenous Studies Ph.D. program, founding the First Peoples House of Learning, and helping to craft the University mandate that ensures every undergraduate student completes at least one course with an Indigenous focus. His trusted leadership over the decades has helped Trent build Indigenous perspectives in its policies, research ethics and academic programming.

“It is an honour to be recognized by the Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education and 3M. These achievements are the result of the collaborative efforts of many who believe in the importance of bringing Indigenous Knowledge into the academy,” says Prof. Newhouse. “I hold fast to the belief that it is not enough to teach about Indigenous Peoples, but that Indigenous Knowledge can inform pedagogy and academe in all its facets, extending its rafters to include it.”

As director of Trent’s Chanie Wenjack School of Indigenous Studies, and the long-serving chair of Indigenous Studies, Prof. Newhouse has transformed individual lives by providing academic, cultural and emotional support to Indigenous students, many of whom bolstered his nomination with letters of support.

“Professor Newhouse’s ‘gentle rigour’ always encouraged me to go deeper with my reflections, to ask more complex questions, and to strive to connect complex ideas together in a way that was unconventional,” shares one former student in a letter of support. “In many ways he provided a very important foundation for me to launch my academic career as an interdisciplinary scholar and to be courageous with my ideas.”

Nationally, Prof. Newhouse has provided leadership through organizations such as Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, and the Canadian Association of University Teachers.

The 3M National Teaching Fellowship is sponsored by both 3M Canada and the Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (STLHE). Founded in 1986, the Fellowship honours exceptional contributions to teaching and learning at the post-secondary level.

Professor David Newhouse, director of the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies at Trent University, has been named among Canada’s most outstanding university educators and winner of one of ten prestigious 3M Teaching Fellowships.

Anishinabek Nation highlights importance of Indigenous science in Ontario classrooms

ANISHINABEK NATION HEAD OFFICE (July 13, 2022) – The Anishinabek Nation and the Kinoomaadziwin Education Body (KEB) are disappointed to learn of the Ministry of Education’s decision to remove the Indigenous Science Framework from the Ontario Curriculum. Together with Anishinabek educators, the Anishinabek Nation is willing to host a meeting with the Ministry of Education to advocate for the inclusion of these expectations for all students in Ontario. 

“Connection with the land is central to Anishinabek knowledge systems,” says Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Reg Niganobe. “Our ancestors are the original engineers of this place. Long before Canada flattened lands for railways and roadways, the Anishinabek traveled vast distances using the original highways of this land – waterways. They did so using an environmentally-friendly method of transportation through coexistence in the ecosystem.”

Universities, colleges, and schools across Ontario have been developing Indigenous STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) research and resources – and this step by the Ministry is not supported by the evolution of the field.  

“Advocates for Anishinabek education have long fought for the recognition of our learning systems,” says Anishinabek Nation Southeast Regional Deputy Grand Council Chief James Marsden, Education portfolio holder for the Anishinabek Nation. “To remove this framework from the Ontario Curriculum is a regressive decision and dishonours our partnership.”

The Master Education Agreement between the self-governing Participating First Nations of the Anishinabek Education System, the Kinoomaadziwin Education Body, and the Government of Ontario signed in 2017, outlines a new path forward in education. This Agreement specifies that the parties involved will support collaboration in curriculum development and review processes. 

“The Anishinabek Education System prioritizes Anishinabek culture, language, history, and knowledge in education,” says KEB Chairperson Phyllis Anderson. “The education system has made great strides in strengthening relationships with ministry and schoolboard partners.  This decision creates barriers to the development and inclusion of reciprocal curriculum based in reconciliation.” 

Article 15.1 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples also states: Indigenous Peoples have the right to the dignity and diversity of their cultures, traditions, histories, and aspirations which shall be appropriately reflected in education and public information. 

Anishinabek science, technology, engineering, and mathematics has existed since time immemorial on this land. It is imperative that Ontario and Indigenous partners work together in the spirit of reconciliation to build Indigenous STEM resources for a shared future. 

“The fields of medicine and biology have been enriched by utilizing the teachings and minds of Indigenous traditional knowledge holders. From the first interactions with settlers and sharing of agricultural practices to biomedical research using compounds used for millennia — Anishinabek scientific knowledge is integral to building a shared knowledge base,” says M’Chigeeng Ogimaakwe Linda Debassige. “To have the Indigenous Science Framework removed from the Ontario Curriculum is both irresponsible and disrespectful not only to our ancestors and the deep history of our First Nations people, but to all of Ontario by going against the Calls to Action by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada calling on the inclusion of Indigenous contributions as part of school curriculum. We cannot erase the truth.”

The Anishinabek Nation is a political advocate for 39 member First Nations across Ontario, representing approximately 65,000 citizens.  The Anishinabek Nation is the oldest political organization in Ontario and can trace its roots back to the Confederacy of Three Fires, which existed long before European contact. 

imagineNATIVE Institute
 Announces Mentees of the GTHA Below-the-Line Mentorship
 Supported by Netflix and IATSE-873

The imagineNATIVE Institute is thrilled to announce details of two new on-set mentorship opportunities for Indigenous creatives looking to expand or begin careers in the Art Department on long-form productions located in and around the Greater Toronto + Hamilton Area and the Greater Sudbury Area.

Today, the imagineNATIVE Institute has announced Bert Whitecrow(Dresser/Sewer), Morgan Spence (Set Decorator), and Riley Assinewa(Carpenter) are the mentees of the Greater Toronto + Hamilton Area Below-the-Line Mentorship, supported by Netflix and IATSE-873. This mentorship is designed for one costume designer/sewer, one carpenter, and one set decorator looking to begin or expand on a career in the Art Department of a long-form production. These selected participants of the GTHA Below-the-Line Mentorship will receive a 4 to 5-week paid on-set mentorship within the Art Department on the Netflix Production You Are So Not Invited To My Bat Mitzvah! this summer to shadow and learn from industry leaders. 



Thanks to the continued support of the imagineNATIVE Institute’s Lead Partner Netflix, the Institute is thrilled to extend our professional development reach with these new opportunities offered to below-the-line creatives looking to begin or grow their careers in the film and screen Industry. On-set production mentorships can provide rich and invaluable spaces for Indigenous creatives to learn, hone, and share their skills,” said Jamie-Lee Reardon, imagineNATIVE Institute Manager

Later this year, applications will open for the Northern Ontario Below-the-Line mentorship, supported by Netflix and DGC Ontario. 

These opportunities would not be possible without the continued support from Institute’s lead partner Netflix and partners IATSE 873 and DGC Ontario. Chi Miigwetch!



The imagineNATIVE Institute is a department within imagineNATIVE that houses year-round professional development programs, events, and talks for Indigenous creatives. The Institute provides Indigenous-led professional development opportunities that address gaps within the industry and build capacity for Indigenous creatives. The Institute is proud to present these programs and the generous contributions to their initiatives by lead partner Netflix.

Media Contact: Damien Nelson, damien@wantandable.ca

Bert Whitecrow – Dresser/Sewer mentee
Bert Whitecrow is a Two-Spirited, multidisciplinary artist from Seine River First Nation. Their work explores methods of storytelling, through preserving and practicing ancestral knowledge. They attended the Indigenous Visual cultures program at OCAD University and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 2022. Bert explores the ideas of Indigenous futurisms, the belief of inherent queerness in nature, and their relationship to place throughout their artistic practice. Bert has worked within community arts for five years as a facilitator and artist.

Morgan Spence –  Set Dec mentee
Morgan Spence is a proud Mushkegowuk (Swampy Cree) from Moosonee, Ontario. She moved to Toronto in 2020 and recently graduated from the Indigenous Production Assistant Training Program with POV and Miziwe Biik Aboriginal Employment & Training. She currently works as a Production Assistant in film and television. Prior to working in the industry, she worked closely with the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres as well as working in the youth department for the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto. She continues to support and be an active community member with these and other related organizations that focus on uplifting and supporting Indigenous youth and community.

Riley Assinewai – Carpenter Mentee
Riley is an Ojibwe man currently based in Toronto, who grew up in WIkwemikoong, Ontario located on Manitoulin Island. In 2018, Riley got the opportunity to go to Scotland and work on Outlander, and since then he has worked on various shows as an actor. Most recently, he had the chance to help behind the camera on a film. Now, Riley is interested in working more on set in all areas, behind and in front of the camera. 

Anishinabek Nation expresses disappointment in Indian Day School Class Action Settlement deadline

Trigger warning: readers may be triggered by the recount of Indian Day Schools. To access a 24- hour National Crisis Line, call: 1-866-925-4419. Community Assistance Program (CAP) can be  accessed for citizens of the Anishinabek Nation: 1-800-663-1142 

ANISHINABEK NATION HEAD OFFICE (July 14, 2022) – The Federal Indian Day School Class Action  Settlement closed its application process on July 13, 2022. The Anishinabek Nation expresses  disappointment in this decision and the lack of response regarding requests for amendments to  both the settlement and claims processes.  

Survivors, families, and leadership have been continuously requesting an extension of the  deadline for months. In addition, there has been advocacy on many levels for improvements  including necessary amendments to ease the process and implementation of procedural review. 

Many applicants have had challenging experiences with the claims and application process  regarding accessibility, communication and information errors at the administration level, lack of  progressive disclosure, and claims being dropped to lower levels resulting in less compensation.  While this is not an exhaustive list, many issues identified could have been resolved by  implementing recommended amendments and addressing the concerns of Survivors and families. 

“With the deadline now past, we acknowledge this as a failure of the Class Council and the Federal  Government to address the concerns of the thousands of Survivors and their families during this  settlement process. They not only deserved more time, but a more fair and transparent process  overall, which would have alleviated some stress and trauma citizens have been experiencing,” states Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Reg Niganobe. 

Though the claims administrator has announced a six-month extension of the deadline, it was not  in response to collective advocacy efforts.  

“We find it unacceptable that this minimal effort puts the responsibility onto the Survivors and  applicants to go through an extra layer of bureaucracy through this additional approval and  waiting period that precedes the actual claims process,” states Grand Council Chief  Niganobe. “Not only does this lengthen the waiting time for approval, it also creates unnecessary  trauma and anxiety for Survivors and families who will now have to wait longer for their claim(s).”

The Anishinabek Nation will continue to support its member First Nations and citizens with the  Reconsideration Forms, as well as its advocacy for justice for all Survivors, their families, and  communities. 

“This process has been an injustice to Survivors of Indian Day Schools. Many have not received the  compensation that they are entitled to and were further traumatized by this poorly planned  process,” states Lake Huron Regional Deputy Grand Council Chief Travis Boissoneau. “Our many  calls for change have gone ignored and I now hope that Canada and the Class Council will take this  opportunity to engage with Survivors and communities and work to prevent future injustices.” 

The Anishinabek Nation calls on all occupants of this land to commit to learning about Indian Day  Schools, and come together to support Survivors, their families, and communities to help  strengthen the Nation. 

Relevant Links 

∙ Anishinabek Nation Education Resources 

∙ Anishinabek Nation Resilience Speaker Series 

∙ Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action 

∙ United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People 

The Anishinabek Nation is a political advocate for 39 member First Nations across Ontario,  representing approximately 65,000 citizens. The Anishinabek Nation is the oldest political  organization in Ontario and can trace its roots back to the Confederacy of Three Fires, which  existed long before European contact. 

Canadian Pro Bono Expansion to Support Indigenous-Owned Businesses

There is a continuous need to learn and take ongoing, meaningful action to overcome racism in an effort to achieve social justice. SAP Canada has been committed to improving our relations with Indigenous colleagues and communities by taking the opportunity to reflect upon our history and the informed future we must carve out to better understand and embrace the rich culture of Indigenous Peoples in Canada. We have been building, and working on a strategy that is comprehensive, culturally informed, and effective.

As SAP doubles down on our commitment to serve those who are underrepresented in tech, including Indigenous communities, we see quality education and economic opportunity as central to this commitment. Last year, SAP launched the Pro Bono for Economic Equity program to help strengthen Black-owned businesses and social enterprises by providing them with support and expertise from our employees. The result of the U.S. initiative results showed that 95 per cent of businesses felt the program met their expectations. Meanwhile, 92 per cent said they felt more prepared to address future challenges for their organization.

The program was so successful in the U.S., SAP expanded it internationally to Brazil, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. And this year, we will roll it out in Canada.

Over six-weeks, SAP employees will spend one week working full-time with their assigned Indigenous-owned business and five weeks working at least eight hours per week. The program not only allows SAP employees to leverage their professional skills, but will contribute to fostering Canada’s Indigenous economy, worth over $30 billion and expected to triple in size over the next five years. Given the growth projection of the Indigenous economy, Indigenous entrepreneurship is a significant driving force of Canada’s economic recovery and stability.

SAP is committed to helping organizations run better and improve people’s lives. With this initiative, we will help provide Indigenous-owned businesses some of the tools they need to become the best run version of themselves. SAP Canada has begun the volunteer recruitment and training process and is looking for Canadian Indigenous-owned businesses to sign-up and participate in the program.

But don’t take our word for it. Participants of the PBEE program last year were quoted as saying, “I looked into how much it would cost to hire consultants, and to be able to get this for free as an early-stage start-up was a huge, huge benefit.”

And our employees also found it incredibly rewarding: “We’re not just talking about making a difference, we’re doing something to directly address systemic inequity. My connection…continues to this day and created connections for me across SAP that push me to be a better person, personally and professionally.”

As the co-Executive sponsors of the SAP Canada Indigenous Inclusion Steering Committee we are very proud of our team for focusing on volunteering their time and expertise and providing the gift of service as part of this program, furthering our social justice ambitions and impact.

Personnel infirmier aux premiers ministres : les soins de santé au Canada sont au bord du désastre. Réglons la pénurie de personnel infirmier avant qu’il ne soit trop tard.Silas : Les infirmières et les infirmiers sont toujours là pour aider le Canada. C’est maintenant au tour du gouvernement d’être là pour aider le personnel infirmier.

10 juillet 2022 (VICTORIA, C.-B.) – Au moment où le Conseil de la fédération tient d’importantes réunions sur l’avenir de nos systèmes publics de soins de santé, le personnel infirmier du Canada presse tous les ordres de gouvernement de s’entendre sur des solutions aux défis les plus urgents de notre époque dans le secteur de la santé, notamment les pénuries désastreuses de personnel infirmier et autres travailleurs de la santé. 

« Des infirmières et des infirmiers de partout au pays nous ont parlé de burn-out après des années à prendre soin des patients pendant une pandémie. Le personnel infirmier continue de composer avec des heures supplémentaires obligatoires et des pénuries extrêmes de personnel. Sans répit à l’horizon, plusieurs sont forcés de quitter la profession », souligne Linda Silas, présidente de la Fédération canadienne des syndicats d’infirmières et infirmiers. « Lorsque le personnel infirmier n’a pas les ressources nécessaires, les soins aux patients en souffrent. Les infirmières et les infirmiers seront à Victoria, prêts à mobiliser les premiers ministres autour de la nécessité, pour tous les ordres de gouvernement, d’agir en toute urgence pour régler la crise de la main-d’oeuvre en santé et protéger notre précieux système public de soins de santé. » 

Après que les infirmières et les infirmiers de première ligne du pays se soient rencontrés au printemps, dans le cadre d’un sommet pour élaborer des solutions à la pénurie criante de personnel, le personnel infirmier du Canada a lancé une nouvelle campagne afin de mobiliser les leaders du pays et le public autour de leurs propositions pour mettre un frein à ce désastre dans le secteur de la santé. 

« Les syndicats infirmiers se sont entendus par rapport à des solutions pour régler les pénuries de personnel, offrir un meilleur soutien au personnel infirmier, et améliorer les soins aux patients. Le personnel infirmier propose un nouveau financement ciblé, assorti d’une véritable reddition de compte », précise Silas. « Nous soumettons, aux premiers ministres et au gouvernement fédéral, des propositions qui permettront de renverser les choses dès maintenant, et assurer que les soins de santé publics soient là pour les générations futures. » 

Les infirmières et les infirmiers du Canada proposent des solutions ciblant trois volets : maintien en poste, retour au travail et recrutement. Silas ajoute que le personnel infirmier est prêt à collaborer avec les gouvernements, et souligne que le temps presse. 

« Les solutions commencent avec le maintien en poste du personnel infirmier que nous avons, ramener au sein de la profession ceux et celles qui ont quitté, et recruter la prochaine génération d’infirmières et d’infirmiers en leur assurant un milieu de travail sain et sûr, où ils pourront être fiers de la qualité des soins qu’ils dispensent aux patients », explique Silas. 

« Le personnel infirmier comprend bien le système de soins de santé et a des propositions concrètes pour le remettre sur pied. Nous sommes prêts à collaborer avec les premiers ministres et le gouvernement fédéral », souligne Silas. « Mais le personnel infirmier et notre système des soins de santé sont au bord du précipice. Les gouvernements ne peuvent pas attendre plus longtemps pour agir. » 

Nurses to Premiers: Canada’s health care is on the brink of disaster. Let’s fix the nursing shortage before it’s too late. Silas: Nurses always step up to support Canada. Now governments must step up to support nurses.

 July 10, 2022 (VICTORIA, B.C.) – As the Council of the Federation begins critical meetings around the future of our public health care systems, Canada’s nurses are urging all levels of government to come together behind solutions for the most pressing health care challenge of our time – the dire shortages of nurses and other health workers. 

“We have heard from nurses across the country suffering from burnout after years of caring for patients during a pandemic. Nurses continue to face forced overtime and extreme staffing shortages. With no relief in sight, many are being driven out of the profession,” said Linda Silas, President of the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions. “When nurses don’t have the resources they need, patient care suffers. Nurses will be in Victoria ready to engage the premiers around the need for governments of all levels to act with urgency, address the health workforce crisis and preserve our cherished public health care system.” 

After frontline nurse representatives from across the country met for a spring summit around developing solutions to the critical shortage of nurses, Canada’s nurses launched a new campaign to engage Canada’s leaders and the public around their proposals to stop this health care disaster. 

 “Nursing unions came together around solutions to address staffing shortages, better support nurses, and protect and improve patient care. Nurses are proposing new targeted funding, with real accountability,” said Silas. “We are presenting the premiers and the federal government with proposals that will start turning things around now, and make sure public health care is there for future generations of Canadians.” 

Canada’s nurses are proposing solutions designed around three Rs: retain, return and recruit. Silas added that nurses are ready to work with governments but warned that time is getting short. 

“Solutions begin with retaining the nurses we do have, returning departing nurses to the profession, and recruiting the next generation of nurses into a healthy and safe workplace where they can be proud of the quality care they provide to patients,” Silas explained. 

“Nurses understand the health care system and have concrete proposals for how to fix it. We stand ready to work with the premiers – and the federal government,” said Silas. “But nurses and our health care system are on the edge of a precipice. Governments must not delay action any longer.”