Part of our Nursing Councils and Associations series. Last checked: November 2026.
Canada has around half a million nurses, and the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) is their national professional voice. Founded more than a century ago, CNA represents registered nurses, nurse practitioners, licensed and registered practical nurses, registered psychiatric nurses and retired nurses across all 13 provinces and territories.
In June 2026, CNA welcomed a new board led by president Dr Tracie Risling, and in July 2026 it urged Canada’s premiers to let nurses work to their full scope, align nursing regulation across provinces, and set safeguards for artificial intelligence in health care. This guide explains what CNA does, its history, leadership, current priorities, and how it differs from nursing regulators and unions, which is especially important for internationally educated nurses moving to Canada.
Imagine you are an internationally educated nurse who has just been registered in Ontario. You have heard of CNA, the College of Nurses of Ontario, the Ontario Nurses’ Association and the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario, and you are not sure which one licenses you, which one negotiates your pay, and which one speaks for nurses nationally. Understanding the difference saves confusion, and helps you choose where to get involved.
What does CNA do?
- National advocacy: influencing federal and provincial health policy on behalf of nurses.
- Professional standards: publishing the Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses, widely used across Canada.
- Specialty certification: CNA’s certification program recognises nursing expertise in specialty areas.
- International representation: CNA represents Canadian nursing at the International Council of Nurses.
- Knowledge and events: national conferences, webinars and resources for nurses.
History
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| Early 1900s | Representatives of organised nursing bodies meet in Ottawa to form the Canadian National Association of Trained Nurses (CNATN) |
| 1911 | CNATN includes 28 affiliated member societies |
| 1924 | With provincial nurses’ organisations in all nine provinces, the national group renames itself the Canadian Nurses Association |
| Today | Represents all nursing designations across 13 provinces and territories |
Leadership, 2026–2028
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| President | Dr Tracie Risling, RN, PhD (succeeding Dr Kimberly LeBlanc) |
| President-elect (president 2028–2030) | Dr Pritma Dhillon-Chattha, DNP, MHA, RN |
| Vice-president | Patrick Chiu, PhD, RN |
| Chief executive officer | Dr Valerie Grdisa, RN, PhD |
The board includes members from all four nursing designations and a student representative from the Canadian Nursing Students’ Association. Dr Risling has said she wants nurses and nurse practitioners recognised as key to controlling rising health costs while improving care, an approach she describes as helping to “bend the cost curve”.
CNA’s 2026 asks of Canada’s premiers
At the Council of the Federation meeting in July 2026, CNA urged premiers to:
- Let nurses practise to their full legislated scope, including expanded nurse prescribing and support for nurse practitioner-led and team-based care.
- Align nursing regulation across provinces and territories to make it easier for nurses to move and work where they are needed.
- Set safeguards for AI in health care covering safety, equity, transparency, clinical validation and human oversight, with nurses involved in shaping how tools are used.
Read more about AI and nursing in our complete guide to AI in nursing.
CNA vs regulators vs unions vs provincial associations
| Type of organisation | Role | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Regulatory bodies (colleges) | Licence nurses, set practice standards, discipline | College of Nurses of Ontario, BC College of Nurses and Midwives, Nova Scotia College of Nursing |
| Unions | Negotiate pay and working conditions | Provincial nurses’ unions, Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions (national federation) |
| Professional associations | Advocate for the profession and practice | CNA nationally; provincial associations such as RNAO in Ontario |
CNA does not license nurses. To practise in Canada, you must register with the regulator in the province or territory where you work. Internationally educated nurses usually begin with the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS). See our guides to RN vs RPN vs LPN in Canada and becoming a nurse practitioner in Canada.
Why CNA matters to internationally educated nurses
- Its push for regulatory alignment could make it easier to move between provinces.
- Its Code of Ethics guides practice across Canada.
- Specialty certification can strengthen your career after registration.
- Membership and events connect you with nursing leaders and networks.
Membership
Nurses can join CNA directly or, in some provinces and territories, through their provincial or territorial association. Students can connect through the Canadian Nursing Students’ Association. Check CNA’s website for current membership options and fees.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Canadian Nurses Association do?
It is the national professional voice for nurses, advocating on health policy, publishing the Code of Ethics and offering specialty certification.
Who is the CNA president?
Dr Tracie Risling, for the 2026–2028 term.
Does CNA license nurses?
No. Provincial and territorial regulatory bodies license nurses.
When was CNA founded?
It began as the Canadian National Association of Trained Nurses in the early 1900s and became the Canadian Nurses Association in 1924.
But why join a national association if my union negotiates my pay?
Unions focus on working conditions; CNA focuses on the profession’s role in the health system: scope of practice, regulation, ethics and national policy. Both shape the future of nursing in Canada.
Your next step: If you nurse in Canada, read CNA’s Code of Ethics this month and find out whether your province offers CNA membership through your provincial association.
Related: RN vs RPN vs LPN in Canada · Becoming an NP in Canada · Best nursing schools in Canada
Sources: Canadian Nurses Association news releases (18 June and 21 July 2026); CNA history and Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses; International Council of Nurses. Check cna-aiic.ca for current information.
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