Best wishes for the holiday

The holiday season looks and feels a lot different this year than ones we have celebrated in the past. As 2020 – the Year of the Nurse – winds down, we want to thank each and every RN, NP, RPN and nursing student – for making nursing and Canadians proud!

We have all worked day and night during the COVID-19 pandemic nursing Ontarians in need, supporting nurses and nursing students, and/or engaging with government and other officials. Together we will continue to fight with every ounce of our strength and expertise this unrelenting virus – until we conquer it.

For our non-nursing colleagues, we want to thank you for working to protect the health and well-being of Ontarians. COVID-19 presented us with challenges that required all of our strength. The battle to suffocate this virus has tested us, but our resolve has strengthened to keep on fighting for a healthy society where every person, and their health and dignity, count.

For RNAO, a silver lining of 2020 has been the opportunity and the privilege to build on the relationships we had and to form new ones, working together with numerous stakeholders from all corners of society. Please know that it has been a true honour to work together!

Our tireless efforts have meant time away from family and loved ones. Many of us will be working through the holidays. Still, we ask that we all reflect on the sacrifices and the difference we have made in people’s lives, the province and the country.

I hope you have been able to take time – even if only for a few hours – to enjoy the season with those closest to you in your household.

Let’s continue to be safe and stay healthy.

#TogetherWeCanDoIt

Please listen to a holiday message from Minister of Health Christine Elliott Holiday here.