As Nursing Week draws to a close (May 10 - 16), the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO) is renewing its call for action to the Ontario government: Increase the number of paid sick days for workers who do not have access to this employee benefit and boost the province’s minimum wage. This demand addresses two of RNAO’s central concerns with the social determinants of health (SDOH).

We appreciate the following contribution from RNAO member Cheryl Forchuk. The article explains the importance of a private member’s bill submitted to the Ontario legislature: Bill 277 - Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Amendment Act: Supporting Individuals in their Homes and Communities with Assistive Devices for Mental Health, 2021.

RNAO is deeply saddened to hear of the tragic passing of registered nurse Lorraine Gouveia who died after contracting COVID-19.

RN Amanda Ottley is a registered nurse and RNAO member working in the field of disability management. She is one of the founders of the Save Toronto Carnival community group and in this article, she introduces us to an inspiring grassroots effort. Thank you deeply for your work, Amanda!

Given the devastating situation in intensive care in the province, the dire predictions from the Science Table, and the outcry from nurses, doctors and other health professionals, yesterday the Ontario government announced new measures. Tragically, as often has been the case, the government acted too-little and too-late. Instead of improving the situation, we deepened the pandemic and the suffering. This is catastrophe by design.

To advance health equity and effective health care and in support of Nishnawbe Aski Nation’s (NAN) aspirations for self-determination over matters of health, RNAO signed a new partnership with NAN on March 24.

This is a media release that RNAO issued on April 8.

Please help spread the word about this valuable service: Hospice Palliative Care Ontario strives to provide quality education and support and is excited to be able to do so through the Virtual Compassion Care Community Centre.