Dear Members,
As I assume the role of President of the Prince Edward Island Nurses’ Union, I am both humbled and energized by the trust you have placed in me. Throughout my nursing career, I have witnessed what makes our profession so incredibly rewarding, while also recognizing the immense pressures we are facing. I will spend my term as President of the PEI Nurses’ Union (PEINU) working for you, Registered Nurses and Nurse Practitioners, advancing initiatives that we collectively value and prioritize.
Since being elected as PEINU’s first President-Elect in November 2024, I have had the opportunity to participate on the Executive Council and become more informed about the leadership of the union. I have supported the office in a variety of ways, including chairing the Grievance Committee and the Constitution and Resolutions Committee, serving on the Negotiations Committee, and filling in as Labour Relations Officer at the provincial office this past spring.
In addition, over the past five years I have served as Local President of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. That role gave me valuable insight into both the challenges and the strength of our profession. In 2023, I also spent six months working in the provincial office, which broadened my perspective and gave me a deeper understanding of the realities facing Registered Nurses and Nurse Practitioners across the province. These combined experiences have prepared me well as I step into the role of President on November 1st.
When I campaigned across the province, I had the privilege of meeting many of you in your workplaces. I heard your concerns, your ideas, and your hopes for the future of nursing on PEI. As we move into the year ahead, those conversations will continue to guide my priorities.
One of the most pressing issues facing us is the escalating reliance on agency nursing. While it may temporarily fill gaps, it is neither sustainable nor cost-effective as a long-term solution. To build real capacity, we must value those already working in the system by ensuring safe staffing ratios, protecting access to vacation and professional development, and investing in retention strategies that keeps nurses employed with Health PEI. At the same time, we must resist privatization solutions that may appear to be quick fixes but, in reality, place even more pressure on the workforce. Waitlists and lack of access to primary care are not the fault of frontline healthcare workers, they are the result of years of inaction and a failure to listen to those delivering care every day.
We are currently at the bargaining table, and as a member of the negotiations team, I am dedicated to working alongside the team toward a contract that makes meaningful improvements and reflects the value of our members. You deserve an agreement that supports both retention and recruitment. A strong agreement will not only help retain our current workforce but also drive recruitment by making PEI a place where Registered Nurses and Nurse Practitioners are respected, valued, and supported. A safe, respectful, and positive workplace is the most effective recruitment tool we have.
In the first three months of my term, I will be focused on listening and learning as much as possible. Part of that will include visiting worksites across the province in the new year. I look forward to meeting you where you work, hearing firsthand about your experiences, and continuing to advocate for the changes you need to deliver safe, quality care.
As this year comes to a close, I am filled with optimism for the year ahead. Thank you for everything you do each and every day. I hope this holiday season brings you rest, renewal, and cherished time with your families. Together, we can strengthen our profession and build a more sustainable health system for Islanders.
Kind Regards,
President, Prince Edward Island Nurses’ Union