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All In: A Week of Learning, Solidarity, and Mobilizing at CFNU Convention
June 18, 2025
The 2025 CFNU Biennial Convention in Niagara Falls was more than a national gathering—it was a powerful affirmation of what it means to be all in for public health care, safe working conditions, and inclusive advocacy. Over five days, more than 1,200 nurses from across Canada, including a strong contingent from the Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland & Labrador (RNU), participated in keynote speeches, policy discussions, workshops, and mobilizations that left delegates inspired and reinvigorated.
The tone for the week was set with a historic and deeply moving opening: the formal apology delivered by CFNU’s National Executive Board to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. In a solemn ceremony that included a sunrise ceremony and smudge led by Elder Valerie King, union leaders acknowledged the harms caused by Indian hospitals, forced sterilizations, and racism in the healthcare system—vowing to make reconciliation not just a word, but a lived commitment.
For many RNU delegates, this moment was transformative. “It brought feelings of sadness, shame, and injustice—but also a strong sense that we need to do better,” said first-time delegate Colette White. “You don’t want to be part of the problem. You want to be part of the solution.”
RNUNL President Yvette Coffey takes a moment of reflection during the Sunrise Ceremony at CFNU 2025 in Niagara Falls.
From that powerful opening, the convention moved into a packed schedule of learning and action. Under the banner of this year’s theme, All In, nurses explored urgent issues like staffing shortages, Indigenous health equity, the impacts of privatization, and mental health in the workplace. Workshops ranged from climate change and healthcare to emotional intelligence, retirement planning, and cultural safety. Each session was designed to give nurses the tools and knowledge to be stronger advocates for themselves, their patients, and the profession.
RNU President Yvette Coffey took the national stage during the National Executive Board open forum, speaking passionately about the staffing crisis and highlighting innovative solutions like the expanded travel locum pilot in Labrador. She also rallied nurses to stand firm in demanding fair pay, safe workplaces, safe ratios, and Nurse Practitioner-led primary care models.
Throughout the week, the spirit of solidarity was palpable. RNU delegates like Leah Hayden and Julia Young spoke of how energizing it was to connect with union siblings from across the country, share stories, and return home ready to advocate. “We need to start saying no,” said Hayden. “No to unsafe nurse-patient ratios. No to privatization. No to unrealistic work expectations.”
RNUNL delegates Leah Hayden (President, Branch 08), Jennifer Hiscock (Region 06 Representative), and Jessica Chalk (Secretary, Branch 08) at the 2025 CFNU Convention.
The Elbows Up rally on Day 5 was a powerful public expression of that resolve. Hundreds of nurses marched through Niagara Falls, waving signs, raising their voices, and calling on governments to protect public healthcare. For many, it was a highlight of the week—and a reminder of the collective power nurses hold.
As the final sessions wrapped up, RNU members left the convention hall with renewed purpose, new tools, and stronger connections. “It very much reinvigorated my union activism,” said Darlene Smith. “You really feel like you’re part of a movement with a great deal of strength.”