SIMCOE COUNTY-MUSKOKA, ON, November 4, 2026 – Public health and registered nurses providing a wide range of services that keep more than 600,000 people in their communities healthy and safe in Simcoe County and the District of Muskoka, are entering conciliation with their employer tomorrow in their pursuit of a fair new contract.
“These public health nurses and registered nurses provide invaluable care and services in an area that covers more than 8,000 square kilometres, despite being understaffed and having fewer resources,” notes Ontario Nurses’ Association (ONA) Provincial President Erin Ariss, RN. “ONA and its members are confident that the board of health’s negotiating team will come to conciliation tomorrow prepared to recognize the value of these nurses and the work they do for their communities, and to negotiate a fair contract that respects the work they do so well.”
The two sides have had three days of negotiations this past summer and nurses remain optimistic that an agreement can be reached. Services provided by the RNs and public health nurses range from: the Healthy Babies, Healthy Children program which provides free home visiting services to ensure young children get a healthy start in life, that families who need additional pregnancy support or support with babies can receive it and ensures healthy growth and development; classes and clinics such as immunization, sexual health, dental health, prenatal clinics and more; a range of services to keep people healthy, prevent injury, illness and premature death.
ONA is the union representing 68,000 nurses and health-care professionals, as well as 18,000 nursing student affiliates, providing care in hospitals, long-term care facilities, public health, the community, clinics and industry.
-30-
