ONA’s Biennial week continued with important decisions, inspiring guest speakers and overwhelming displays of solidary, concluding with an informative half-day education session on a very serious issue that can spill over into the workplace.

• Watch videos that premiered at Biennial

Sombre vigil shines light on violence

Hundreds of ONA members and allies held a moving and sombre vigil on Tuesday evening to honour those who have been impacted by violence. “Women continue to face high rates of gender-based and intimate partner violence. At work and at home, we are blamed and shamed for the violent actions of others. Enough is enough,” said ONA President Erin Ariss.

• See vigil Facebook photo album

Several ONA members told their brutal truths about their experiences with workplace violence. “Imagine a six-foot tall man towering over you, yelling that you’re ‘just a nurse’,” said Carolyn Pawloski‑Gardner. “I was horrified and he came closer, screaming in my face until my back was almost at the wall.”   

Visit our Code Black & Blue website for more information and to send your email in support of safe staffing ratios.

Keynote speaker urges members to tell your stories

Renowned journalist/host and former Cabinet Minister Marci Ien had a simple message for delegates: I see you. “I’m standing before the people who hold us up when we’re at our lowest, who are asked to do more than anyone ever should. Thank you for showing up. And thank you for staying even when it’s really, really hard.”

Detailing her time as a Cabinet Minister where “no one looked like me,” she revealed that a young woman stopped her on the street and said, “‘I want to thank you for being in the places you’re afraid to be.’ That stuck with me. The lesson for you is that people are watching and will remember the impact you’ve made.”

But, she added, you also need to take of yourself and each other and remember you’re not alone. “This isn’t just your fight. Everyone is impacted by a health-care system that isn’t working. Tell your stories. Get louder together and engage all Canadians.”

Please share your stories on ONA’s F-Word digital magazine (they can be anonymous) here.

Support for striking North York Family Health Team members

North York Family Health Team Bargaining Unit President Rita Ha and colleague Emily Law spoke on behalf of the more than 40 members who have been forced to strike since October 20 in their fight for a fair contract. Read their story here. The pair received a strong show of solidarity from the room. But they need your help too. Find out what you can do here.

See it, name it, check it: supporting people experiencing domestic violence

A powerful session by Canadian Labour Congress’ Vicky Smallman on domestic violence in the workplace provided stark facts and outlined how to support people experiencing violence.

One in three workers have experienced domestic violence, which is why the workplace matters for those in relationships with abusers. “For them, it might be the only place they get a break from the violence,” noted Vicky.

One strategy is to interrupt isolation wherever it occurs. “Reach out to people who are caught up in the dynamics of abusive relationships. SEE it, NAME it, CHECK it.” The “its” are the warning signs of abuse, risk factors of abuse and/or abusive behaviour that people need to be trained to see and name.

From a union perspective, there are ways to support workers experiencing domestic violence: through collective bargaining language and member education and awareness.

“Perhaps our biggest task is building awareness among union members and training leaders and representatives so we can recognize and respond to domestic violence in our workplaces,” explained Vicky.

For more information and to access resources, visit the CLC website.

Solidarity stronger than fear, Toronto mayor says

In a lively speech echoing the serious challenges members face, Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow stressed that together, we have the power to make change. “What’s happening in health care is the predictable results of decisions made by people who know better. But there’s another way. It starts with safe staffing, putting care over profit and treating violence against nurses and health-care professionals as the emergency it is.”

She encouraged everyone to, “keep organizing, building power and making sure every Ontarian understands that when you fight, you’re fighting for them. Solidarity is stronger than fear. You have the Mayor of Toronto on your side.”

Same shift, different province: CFNU president delivers energetic remarks

With her trademark energy, Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions (CFNU) President Linda Silas urged ONA members to fight back against employers and take care of themselves.

Nurses across Canada continue to experience the “same shift, different province” – the CFNU theme this year – although Ontario is the worst, with the lowest ratio of RNs-per-capita in the country. Nurses need to take care of themselves and say no to overtime, understaffing and workplace violence, she said.

HOOPP CEO provides overview of pension strength

Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP) President and CEO Annesley Wallace spoke to an engaging crowd about pension highlights, current and beyond. She unveiled three key pillars that underpin HOOPP’s 2030 Strategic Plan.

“Our strategy is anchored on three clear strategic pillars: members, portfolio and community and are action-oriented to help us prioritize and make decisions,” notes Annesley. “For members, we are maximizing the value of the Plan, that means offering services and benefits that matter most to them, including creating additional digital services and segmented personalized communications to members.”

Annesley concluded, “I truly appreciate the partnership with ONA and everyone at HOOPP is proud to serve and be part of Ontario’s health-care community”

Visit the HOOPP website to learn about its strategic plan and member tools.

Down to business

At Convention, 16 Constitutional Amendments passed, including the addition of a Human Rights and Equity Representative to the Local Executive Committee. More detailed information will be posted here when available.

ONA’s busy Biennial week kicked off on Monday with an inspiring Human Rights and Equity Summit, followed by the first business day on Tuesday that included important updates and calls to action from our Board.

• Read our Biennial Report

We all fight together as one, President tells packed convention

During a rousing address, Provincial President Erin Ariss emphasized the strong inroads that we have made in inspiring and mobilizing members.

“We build unity from within; we engage with and support one another. ONA is not a place, an office, or even a logo. We are all ONA. And we will continue to fight together to win the changes we need.”

Speaking passionately, she highlighted our collective wins but noted the Ford government continues to ignore calls for safe staffing ratios. “I cornered Health Minister Sylvia Jones and said, ‘have you ever seen a fire truck speed down the street with only one firefighter? Of course not. The same must apply to nurses. We need the same protection.’”

• Watch "I am ONA" video

Violence prevention campaign launches

In a deeply moving moment, Erin relayed her experiences with workplace violence. “I was attacked more times than I can count. In fact, I stopped counting assaults when the total hit 1,000.” With the prevalence of workplace violence, ONA launched Code Black & Blue, a major campaign that shines a spotlight on the criminal level of violence we face.

Strategic plan central to staff work, CEO highlights

ONA staff provide expert support for the issues our members face, CEO Andrea Kay emphasized in her report. “From contract administration and mobilizing, to professional practice and education, staff provide the expertise and guidance members need to lead their fight for better,” she said.

Turning her attention to the critical achievements of our membership’s first Strategic Plan, launched in 2021, Andrea added that work is underway on a dashboard that will help us better track our progress.

“This isn’t just a plan sitting on a shelf gathering dust; it’s integrated into our day-to-day work and holds us accountable to our mission, vision and values. This experience is invaluable as we approach the next strategic planning process.”

Annual HRE Summit provides space for reflection

ONA’s Human Rights and Equity Summit had one ask: listen, learn and reflect.

The day began with a moving sunrise ceremony by Elder Valarie King, who later told delegates about a central figure in the spiritual and cultural traditions of Indigenous people, noting, “the eagle soars high and always knows what happens. You’re all eagles in the work you do.”

Guest speaker and registered psychotherapist Natalie Haynes emphasized the importance of psychologically safe learning spaces. “Most people don’t feel comfortable talking about race or other aspects of difference, but it’s possible. Transformation happens when you notice what’s uncomfortable within you.”

Highlighting her 50 years of activism, keynote speaker Reverend Dr. Cheri DiNovo, a former MPP, stressed, “if you fight for social justice, you win. The only way things change is through a small group of people who get larger.”

The day also included breakout caucuses where members from equity-deserving groups and allies discussed commonalities; the launch of our three-part podcast, Beyond Equity: The Courage to Care; and two panel presentations featuring ONA’s new Anti-Racism, Equity and Human Rights Board Committee, and challenges faced by internationally educated nurses.

“Carry this energy back to your Locals, workplaces and communities,” concluded Region 2 Vice-President Rachel Muir. “Continue the conversations, and challenge the systems that create harm.”

Board member reports

Provincial Treasurer Bernie Robinson noted Local Treasurers spend a lot of time making sure expenses are recorded, managed and in alignment with bylaws, polices, regulations and budgets. She stated that, with the Provincial Treasurer now a stand-alone position, she has been able to focus on details we didn’t previously have time to address. Meeting one-on-one with Local leaders to talk about their needs and issues has allowed us to address issues in real time.

First Vice-President Alan Warrington made an exciting announcement during his report: a new Member Recognition Advisory Team that will serve as a way for members to help guide communications and encourage Locals to celebrate the diverse professions among our membership. Alan also highlighted a legislative petition on staffing ratios launched by the Political Action Committee and successful grassroots campaigns efforts by members. He encouraged all members to get involved and help strengthen the union moving forward.

Region 1 Vice-President Monique Storozuk highlighted in her professional practice (PP) report a sobering fact: members are experiencing issues in record numbers. Monique also highlighted good news, including the impressive achievements gained through workload settlements and Independent Assessment Committees, along with the significant change in process that sees PP Specialists involved at the outset of files.

Region 2 Vice-President Rachel Muir focused her health and safety report on one key issue. “Violence has exploded in our workplaces. It’s an epidemic.” The biggest contributing factor? Too few staff and insufficient training. If employers offer training, it’s often inadequate or offered as eLearning during busy workdays. She added we must share the brutal truth with the government, employers and the public and report violent incidents, emphasizing that, “ONA has your back.”

Region 3 Vice-President Karen McKay-Eden stated in her human rights and equity report that we can boast of many tangible achievements, including launching an Anti-Racism, Equity and Human Rights Board Committee. The committee is comprised of at least three members from each equity-deserving group. She encouraged members to check out opportunities for involvement in the committee as well as our Communities of Support.

Region 4 Vice-President Grace Pierias explained that education and events touch every member. She noted that we’ve educated record numbers of members and shattered previous statistics on workshops held. We redesigned and reinvigorated the eLearning platform, adding courses and content. The events world is also rapidly changing, and we consistently deliver the absolute best in class when it comes to gatherings, big or small.

Region 5 Vice-President John Lowe told delegates he’s pleased to carry the important work under the contract administration portfolio forward. Emerging themes include strengthening consistency in grievance handling and contract enforcement; reviewing policies to stay aligned with legislation and member needs; improving communications through our quarterly email newsletter; and dealing with persistent employer challenges.

Next week, more than 1,000 ONA members, nursing students, staff, guests, and labour allies will unite in Toronto for our Biennial Convention. We are coming together under one unifying theme – I am ONA – to reconnect and reinvigorate us all.

Human Rights and Equity Summit: a time for reflection

Our week-long event kicks off on Monday, November 3 with our Human Rights and Equity Summit where we will reflect on how we can commit to creating safer, more inclusive and more equitable spaces for our members.

Our summit discussions from Indigenous, Racialized, 2SLGBTQI, Francophone, disability, and ally communities will engage us, moving our work forward.

Two major projects – an anti-racism, anti-oppression (ARAO) video and ARAO limited podcast series – will launch at the summit.

Biennial Convention brings inspiring speakers

Our Biennial Convention runs from November 4 to 7 and will inspire our members to shout out, I am ONA! You will hear inspirational messages from ONA Provincial President Erin Ariss and the Board of Directors along with updates from our Chief Executive Officer Andrea Kay.

Our days are brimming with special guests including former Member of Parliament Marci Ien, Mayor of Toronto Olivia Chow and Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions President Linda Silas.

On Tuesday, November 4 at 5 p.m., we will gather at Nathan Phillips Square for a solemn vigil on workplace and intimate partner violence impacting ONA members.

Our Biennial Convention is a business meeting, and our members are bringing forward potential amendments to our Constitution. As a democratic union, our leaders vote on changes to our Constitution, right on the floor. Post-Biennial, any amendments will be posted on our website and communicated to our members.

Education on workplace violence prevention

Workplace violence in health care is increasing, and the link between intimate partner violence and attacks on health-care workers is clear. Both disproportionately involve aggression towards women. Both too often involve blaming the victim. And incidents of both are largely underreported and normalized.

Our education session on Friday, November 7 – facilitated by workplace violence prevention experts from the Canadian Labour Congress – addresses intimate partner violence.

How you can participate and follow along

Erin Ariss’ president’s address will be livestreamed on Facebook on Tuesday, November 4 at 9:30 a.m. Please tune in then! You can also follow us on social on Instagram and Bluesky and follow our hashtag #ONABiennial.