This past Thursday, March 11 marked the one-year anniversary since the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic. 35 health organizations across Ontario responded to RNAO’s invitation to join in solidarity to commemorate the anniversary through a tribute event and candlelight vigil. We were honoured to have Canada's parliamentary poet laureate Louise Bernice Halfe – Sky Dancer – join us virtually.

This webinar was held on March 2, 2021, in partnership with RNAO, Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN), Chiefs of Ontario (COO), the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Shkaabe Makwa and the Canadian Indigenous Nurses Association (CINA). The focus was on nurses and health-care providers supporting First Nations communities and organizations.

This coming Thursday, March 11, marks the one year anniversary of the pandemic declaration by the World Health Organization. It is sobering to reflect on all that has happened to people around the world since then. And yet there is a long road ahead before we reach the end of the COVID-19 ordeal. To share in this reflection, RNAO invites you to commemorate the anniversary with us.

We’re nearing the one-year mark since the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic and RNAO continues its unstoppable efforts to address the challenges we face in Ontario. We are proud of the central role we play in the media, and here is a summary of the issues we raised during February.

COVID-19 has impacted enormously on mental health and our ability to communicate with others. We are hugely grateful for the contribution of the following article written by Teresa Valenzano and Patty Matsuo on behalf of the Ontario Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists (OSLA).

On Feb. 25, RNAO’s NP Task Force released the groundbreaking report, Vision for Tomorrow, which brings to life not only the evidence on why NPs are crucial in our health-care system, but also the lived experiences of those NPs who are already making a difference to patient outcomes in their day-to-day practice. It is a comprehensive blueprint that calls for the NP role to be expanded and to fully utilize NPs to advance the health of Ontarians and strengthen the health system.

Close to 200 registered nurses, nurse practitioners, nursing students, politicians and members of the public joined RNAO on Feb. 25. for the 21st Queen’s Park Day. As one of RNAO’s annual signature political action events, this year’s iteration looked a bit different due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

February marks Black History Month – a month dedicated to honouring our Black sisters and brothers, their past and the steps toward allyship. RNAO recognizes the continued importance of sharing Black stories and perspectives, encouraged by and eager to contribute to the invigorated movement to end anti-Black racism and discrimination.