Government Relations

We don’t fear power. We push for legislative changes and fight for better and safer workplaces. We’ve done so for 50 years. We don’t settle because a lot is at stake.

We advocate with governments and stakeholders to make positive changes for health-care workers and their patients, residents and clients.

ONA has a seat at the table on many government committees and working groups, such as the current Roundtable on Workplace Violence and the Joint Provincial Nursing Committee.

We understand how government works and who we are dealing with. We stay on top of current health policy trends and nursing workforce statistics to reinforce our positions. Our staff arrange regular meetings with policymakers and legislators to ensure our voice is heard loud and clear. We proactively monitor Queen’s Park for proposed legislative changes that could impact members. We work with leadership to develop key messages, submit briefs, make presentations to standing committees and advocate for amendments.

Our government relations experts also develop and implement strategies to influence policy and legislation through letters, online campaigns and lobbying events. They support Local leaders who reach out to their Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) to discuss, face-to-face, issues that affect patients in their communities.

Government Submissions

We make submissions to the provincial government and to committees of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario on a range of topics to influence change and create dialogue. From the annual budget cycle to changes in health-care services and practices, our union shares the voices of front-line nurses and health-care workers on the issues.