Board of Directors

Erin Ariss is a fierce and fiery advocate for ONA members and their patients, residents and clients. With decades of emergency department experience, Erin has seen the true state of our system and knows how to fix it. 

Erin has never been afraid to take on difficult issues and has seen a number of successes, from fighting for access to personal protective equipment during the pandemic to safer workplaces improving equity for all. 

A member of the 2SLGBTQI+ community, Erin continues to fight for better and trailblaze change for equity, public health care, and safe and decent work for all.  

Why does Erin fight? 

“I fight every day for nurses and health-care professionals and our public health care; to empower members in our collective fight for the changes we all need and deserve. We are not all the same, but I know first-hand that our differences don’t define us – our unity does. We must continue to take action, to fight injustice, harness our collective power and fight together.” 

A commitment to improving the lives of front-line nurses and health-care professionals is what inspires and fuels Alan Warrington, registered nurse and ONA Vice-President, Region 5.   

Having been a front-line nurse and Local Coordinator in Region 5, Alan has developed a strong commitment to improving working conditions and gaining respect for ONA members. He knows how difficult it can be to deliver ethical, high-quality patient care at a time of severe understaffing and a lack of adequate resources.  

Why does Alan fight?  

“Nurses have been hailed as heroes but not treated as such. We are going to continue to speak truth to power and ensure our members’ voices are heard, and they receive the respect – and fair working conditions and compensation – they so deserve.”  

Monique Storozuk is a seasoned registered nurse with 32 years of experience who has worked in acute and post-acute areas. She knows how to see through spin and get organized to fight for better, both as a grassroots nurse and as Vice-President of ONA Region 1 to get things done. 

Monique served on her Local Executive Committee at Sault Area Hospital for years, something that began – like it does for so many members – when she needed her union and found the support she sought.  

She is dedicated to strengthening ONA member engagement through communication, transparency and education. Stronger Bargaining units, members informed, and members supported resonated most with Monique advocating for equality, equity and diversity for all members.  

Why does Monique fight?  

“We need to fight for our public health care and each other. Premier Ford’s wage cut law drove many nurses away, and he has underfunded public health care to justify expanding private clinics that cost us all. Longer, not shorter wait times was the result of this type of change in Alberta – and it will be no different in Ontario.”

Rachel Muir, a labour and delivery registered nurse, is a passionate proponent of public health care and committed to the ongoing process of recognizing inherent biases from her personal and ancestral history.  

She knows the eastern Ontario Region 2 members well – from the diverse population to its unique communities and health-care facilities. She also knows the power of nurses and health-care professionals standing together to fight against privatization.  

Why does Rachel fight?  

“Coming together with common cause, working together, and speaking with a united voice is where our power as nurses and health-care professionals lies. I fight because I know that when we come together and prove we are united, we win. We won our fight against Bill 124, and we will win our fight against the destruction of public health-care. Our patients deserve no less, nor do we.”  

Karen McKay-Eden, RN brings her decades of front-line experience and ONA leadership experience to her Board of Directors position, representing more than 28,000 Region 3 members located in the Greater Toronto Area. 

During her career, Karen has seen the best and worst working environments that nurses and health-care professional can face. She has always fought inequities whenever she witnessed them, speaking out and righting wrongs.  

Why does Karen fight?   

“I am a passionate advocate for my patients, and for fighting for workplace equity for my colleagues. Everyone should be treated with respect, dignity and compassion. As an ONA Board member, I hope to end conflict between equity-deserving groups. I also encourage our members to mobilize, to speak out about workplace issues and fight for better staffing.”  

Experience working as an emergency department nurse and her activist family history has prepared Grace Pierias for her work on the ONA Board of Directors. 

As a long-time active ONA member, Grace comes from a long line of union leaders and activists. She knows the importance of engaging and empowering ONA members and allies to lead their fight for better and safer working conditions, and to defend our public health care.  

Why does Grace fight? 

“The world we live, breathe and work in has changed so much, and our union is changing too. We are more active than ever before. Uniting to build up our powerful union to fight for the best economic, social and professional well-being has never been more important. Fighting is in my blood, leadership is in my bones and unionism is in my heart.” 

Long-time Board of Directors member Bernie Robinson, RN, is the first person to fill the position of Treasurer on the ONA Board of Directors. Bernie formerly served as Region 2 Vice-President and Interim Provincial President.   

In her role as Treasurer, Bernie will continue to fulfill her overall responsibilities as a board member and provide support to Locals and in particular, Local Treasurers. She will assist them to meet their fiduciary requirements and commitments to their members, something her decades of experience as an active ONA member and registered nurse has well prepared her for.  

Why does Bernie fight?  

“I understand the challenges facing ONA members and have been a strong advocate for them and the health-care profession for a long time. I know how powerful we can be when we mobilize, take action and work with our allies to strengthen healthcare and our professions.” 

Andrea Kay, RN is the Chief Executive Officer of the Ontario Nurses’ Association. Andrea leads both the union’s day-to-day operations and is an executive officer of the Union and Board of Directors. Andrea works in partnership with the Board of Directors, advising through an operational lens, managing and administering the affairs of the Union, and holds the role of secretary on the Board of Directors.   

 As an active ONA member, Andrea served as both a Bargaining Unit President and as a Local Coordinator in Region 2.   

 With decades of experience as a front-line emergency room nurse and in various roles as a staff person and manager, she knows ONA. Her wide range of experience brings a crucial perspective to guide the union and lead change.    

 Why does Andrea fight?  

 “I’m determined to ensure ONA’s continued success supporting our front-line members. Living and breathing our strategic priorities is delivering change and empowering members to overcome incredible odds and fight for better.”