Highlights from 97th #RNAOAGM

More than 600 RNAO members and guests attended our 97th Annual General Meeting (AGM)! If you were among the attendees, thank you. The energy was palpable and the discussions were vibrant! 

Held virtually June 9 – 11 with the theme “COVID-19 Pandemic: Nursing Through Crisis,” the AGM featured many engaging sessions, inspiring guest speakers and calls to action for nurses to continue to influence change in the profession and health system at large.    

Highlights from the three-day virtual event include:

Day one (live Twitter thread):

• Traditional Indigenous opening by Elder Perry McLeod-Shabogesic 
• Celebration of 15 newly designated Best Practice Spotlight Organizations
• Remarks from representatives of Ontario’s four main political parties
•  Video messages from international nursing colleagues Dr. Pam Cipriano, president of International Council of Nurses, and Dr. Kenneth Dion, president of Sigma Nursing

Day two (live Twitter thread):

• CEO Dr. Doris Grinspun’s report to members
• Recap of this year's work and deliverables, and:
  • release of first Indigenous-focused best practice guideline, Promoting Smoking Reduction and Cessation with Indigenous Peoples of Reproductive Age and Their Communities
  • announcement of RNAO Research Unit 
  • announcement of NP research chair 
  • announcement of new membership category: internationally educated nurse associate
  • release of 2021-2022 annual report
• Remarks from Premier Doug Ford
• Consultation session of 12 proposed resolutions
• Results of one member, one vote
• Recognition Awards ceremony (see winners)
• Media Awards ceremony (see winners)
• President Morgan Hoffarth’s report
• Passing of the gavel to incoming President Dr. Claudette Holloway
  • Newly installed president remarks
• Nursing Students of Ontario’s leadership session: “Nursing in the COVID era: The transition of a new generation of nurses”

Day three (live Twitter thread): 

• Closing keynote presentation featuring seven dynamic RNs and NPs: How will nursing recover post pandemic and what will our profession look like?

During AGM, RNAO also released its 2021 – 2022 Annual Report, and shared a video recap on its extenstive media activity.

RNAO was pleased to have its Peel Chapter host this year’s event and appreciates the hundreds of nurses who participated in the meeting or watched the livestream. RNAO looks forward to seeing you in-person next year at the 98th AGM. 

In case you missed it, all sessions are available to watch on RNAO’s AGM portal.