Issues

Chronic underfunding and understaffing across all health sectors in Ontario, and the relentless replacement of RNs and NPs with less qualified health-care workers, is challenging the effectiveness of RNs and NPs and the system as a whole.

The opioid overdose crisis has gotten worse during COVID-19. RNAO continues to advocate for a harm reduction approach that respects basic human dignity and the rights of people who use substances.

An aging long-term care resident population with increasing medical complexity calls for increased care from staff with the right skill mix, yet Ontario continues to underfund and understaff homes. Residents and staff deserve better.

A significant increase to the Nurse Practitioner workforce in Ontario is long overdue. RNAO’s “Vision for Tomorrow” puts forward eight recommendations for expanding and supporting the supply of and use of NPs in Ontario.

The creation of conditions for all Ontarians' health and wellness depends in large part on how and how much the federal and provincial governments spend on health care and the social and environmental determinants of health.

More resources are needed for primary care, home and community care to decrease the number of patients in hospital. RNAO continues to call for an accessible, equitable, person-centred and publicly-funded health system.