Message from MNU President Darlene Jackson
Today, I want to pay tribute to every nurse in this province.
To the nurses who came before me.
To the ones standing shoulder to shoulder with me.
To the ones just beginning their journey.
And to those yet to come.
This year’s National Nursing Week theme is “The Power of Nurses to Transform Health.” And while I understand the intent, I’ll be honest—I struggle with the framing.
Because nurses aren’t asking for more responsibility. We’re asking for respect.
We’re not waiting to be called on to “transform” a broken system. We’re already showing up every day, holding the line. This week shouldn't be a call to action. It should be a call to appreciation.
Because, let’s be clear: nurses don’t control funding. We don’t purchase equipment. We don’t draft government policies or decide staffing complements. That’s not our job. What we do have is the power to speak out. To stand up. To demand better—for ourselves, for our patients, and for the future of public healthcare.
So here’s to that kind of power.
Here’s to solidarity. Here’s to celebrating nurses not for what we might do—but for what we already are.
Strong. Skilled. Steadfast.
And too loud to be ignored.
Happy Nursing Week.