This CFNU convention will unite close to 1,200 of Canada’s unionized nurses, bringing inspiration, solidarity and new insights into the challenges we face across the country today.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Niagara Falls, Ontario, this four-day event places us just steps away from breathtaking views, local dining and vibrant attractions. If you haven’t yet seen the powerful force, that is the horseshoe falls, we encourage you to get out there and enjoy this natural wonder.
With nurses gathering from across the country, our convention marks the largest gathering of nurses in Canada since the federal election in April.
We will have the opportunity to reconnect, have some fun and reinvigorate our passion to make our voices heard. “All In” is our rallying cry, reflecting our commitment to our profession and our communities. From safe nurse-patient ratios to defending public health care to walking along the path of reconciliation together, our voices are powerful.
Remember, as a member of the CFNU, you’re a part of the largest movement of nurses across North America. When we’re all in together, we can.
Join the conversation and share your experience: follow the CFNU on Facebook, Instagram and Bluesky, and use the event hashtags #AllIn and #CFNU25.
Be sure that you have all of the latest details! Download our convention app EventMobi and enter the code cfnu2025.
With about 500 union nurses, family and friends participating in Monday afternoon’s healthy walk, this week’s Biennium got off to an enthusiastic start in Niagara Falls.
The walk – about a kilometre and a half around a big block in the city’s downtown – was short enough that almost all the participants from across Canada happily went around a second time to the pulsing beat of sound system.
There will be serious conversations and CFNU business over the next four days, but the mood Monday afternoon under a bright sun and comfortable temperatures was lighthearted and enthusiastic.
In addition, more than half of the participants were all in – the theme of the 2025 convention – to stick around for a yoga session led by a local instructor after the walkers returned to the convention centre a second time.
The yoga provided an opportunity for participants to focus calmly on their goals for the week-long convention, before the work got under way.
Rain or shine, the healthy walk is a longstanding CFNU tradition that gives convention delegates an opportunity to get some exercise, reconnect with their colleagues and make new friends on the first day of the event.
The opening reception kicked off in a spectacular fashion, filled with culture, celebration and a renewed call for unity and action.
The evening started with a captivating performance from Cirque Revolutions, whose high-flying acrobatics reflected a night dedicated to celebrating the strength, unity and resilience of Canada’s nurses. The celebration continued with a powerful cultural tribute from the Red Sky Indigenous Dancers.
Erin Ariss, president of the Ontario Nurses’ Association, hosted the opening reception and set the tone for the night with heartfelt reflections.
“There’s nothing better than coming together to celebrate nurses,” she said.
Her message sparked a wave of enthusiasm, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening.
Momentum continued to build with remarks from Canadian Labour Congress President Bea Bruske, who brought a strong message of solidarity and support from workers across the country.
“Nurses are the backbone of our unions,” said Bruske. “Nurses rock. And no one punches above her weight like CFNU President Linda Silas when it comes to fighting for nurses across this country.”
She affirmed the CLC’s support as nurses continue to lobby and advocate for public health care and worker protections.
Dr. Leigh Chapman, Canada’s Chief Nursing Officer, highlighted the importance of national collaboration: “This is more than a gathering. We’ve come together to learn and plan. We’re building national momentum that we’ll carry back into our provinces, our unions and our workplaces.”
As CFNU President Silas said, “We are here to raise our voices. And yes – sometimes we raise a little hell!”
From acrobatics to advocacy, the night was a vibrant reminder of the power of unity – and the unstoppable force that is Canada’s nurses, who are ‘All In’ for health care.
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