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“It Gave Me a Lot to Think About”: Julia Young Reflects on CFNU Convention
June 19, 2025
For Julia Young, President of Branch 11, the 2025 CFNU Biennial Convention in Niagara Falls was more than a gathering of nurses—it was an opportunity to connect with colleagues, explore pressing issues, and deepen her understanding of the challenges and solutions facing the profession.
One session that really stood out for her was the retirement planning workshop. It gave her the tools to start asking better questions about how things like capital gains, CPP, OAS, and other external factors can affect retirement income. The session sparked a lot of reflection—and even brought up some unexpected insights that hit close to home.
Julia also found great value in connecting with nurses from other branches across the country. With only a few representatives from Branch 11, she stepped outside her usual circles and built new relationships—exchanging ideas, sharing local experiences, and comparing branch dynamics.
“There were so many valuable opportunities to learn,” she said. “From workshops to informal conversations, every moment offered a chance to gain insight and bring something meaningful back to my work.”
One of the most powerful moments of the week was the Elbows Up Demonstration for Public Health Care. Julia supported the rally and spoke candidly about the risks of increasing privatization. She acknowledged the complexity—recognizing why individuals may turn to private services in the absence of accessible care—but underscored the need for stronger public systems and better funding for Nurse Practitioners. “We need to stop putting the burden on individuals and start fixing the system,” she said.
The “All In” theme of the convention truly resonated with her—particularly the focus on supporting marginalized communities and advocating for fair nurse-patient ratios. It was a reminder of the collective power nurses hold when they come together in solidarity, ready to fight for a healthcare system that serves everyone.