More than 1,000 ONA RN and Health-Care Professional Leaders Gather in Toronto for Biennial Convention: Front-line RNs “Getting Loud” About Quality Patient Care

TORONTO – Registered nurses and health-care professional leaders from across the province will be in Toronto this week to attend the Biennial Convention of the Ontario Nurses’ Association (ONA).

More than 1,000 nurses and health professionals will review the work of their union and hear presentations from a range of speakers including Health Minister Dr. Eric Hoskins. ONA members will also bid farewell to long-time ONA Provincial President Linda Haslam-Stroud, RN.

“Let’s Get Loud is the theme of our Convention,” said Haslam-Stroud, “to reflect the valuable role of nurses and health-care professionals for our patients.”

Held from December 5 to 7 at the Westin Harbour Castle, Toronto, Biennial Convention also offers a Human Rights and Equity Caucus meeting, being held today, and a day of education on December 8. ONA is expecting approximately 1,000 RNs and health professionals to attend.

Haslam-Stroud will deliver her final keynote address on Tuesday before retiring after 40 years as a leader in ONA, including 14 years in the position of ONA Provincial President. In addition, speakers include D.M. Abrashoff, Canadian Federation of Nurses Union President Linda Silas, Ontario Federation of Labour President Chris Buckley, and a presentation on workplace violence by representatives from The Ottawa Hospital.

Media is welcome to attend some of the sessions. Please pre-register via email at shereeb@ona.org.

ONA is the union representing 65,000 registered nurses and health professionals, as well as 16,000 nursing student affiliates, providing care in hospitals, long-term care facilities, public health, the community, clinics and industry.

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For more information:
Sheree Bond: (416) 964-8833, ext. 2430; cell: (416) 986-8240; shereeb@ona.org