Meet the Candidates: CNA 2026 Board Election

Biographical information:

Dr. Pritma Dhillon-Chattha is a nurse executive, entrepreneur, and health system leader with over two decades of experience and expertise in digital health, workforce innovation, and care delivery transformation. She holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Yale University and has held leadership roles across clinical practice, regulation, and health system operations.

She previously served as inaugural Provincial Director of Electronic Quality and Safety at Alberta Health Services, where she led the development of a system-wide eSafety program during a period of large-scale digital transformation.

Dr. Dhillon-Chattha is the Founder and CEO of Lavender, a nurse practitioner-led tele-psychiatry practice operating across the United States, delivering over 15,000 visits per month. Her work has focused on designing and scaling technology-enabled care models that expand access while maintaining strong clinical quality and outcomes.

She is currently focused on advancing access to mental health and primary care in Canada through engagement with provincial governments and health system partners, including the development and early implementation of scalable, replicable models of care tailored to the Canadian context.

Dr. Dhillon-Chattha is a recognized voice in responsible AI in health care and is committed to advancing the role of nursing in Canada.

Statement of philosophy:

I believe nursing must play a central role in shaping a more accessible, sustainable, and high-performing health system in Canada. Achieving this requires not only strong clinical leadership, but also a clear understanding of the policy and regulatory levers that influence workforce design, scope of practice, and care delivery models across jurisdictions.

My philosophy is grounded in advancing practical, evidence-informed solutions to Canada’s most pressing health system challenges. This includes advocating for nurses and nurse practitioners to practise at full scope, alongside thoughtful expansion of advanced and specialty NP roles, including areas such as psychiatry and anesthesia, supported by appropriate education, licensure, and regulatory frameworks.

I am also committed to accelerating the adoption of virtual care to improve equitable access for rural and underserved communities, and to advancing responsible AI governance in health care. As these technologies become embedded in care delivery, nursing leadership must help shape policies that ensure safety, quality, and ethical implementation.

CNA plays a critical role in influencing federal priorities while partnering across provinces and territories to enable meaningful system change. I would bring a solutions-oriented, collaborative approach to advancing nursing leadership and improving health outcomes for Canadians.

Biographical information:

Patrick Chiu, PhD, RN , is an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Alberta, bringing a breadth of experience across diverse settings, including clinical practice, government, nursing regulation, professional associations, and academia.

His research focuses on generating evidence to transform how the health workforce is regulated, organized, and empowered. As a Certified Global Nurse Consultant, he is a trusted advisor to system partners, providing strategic leadership on complex issues related to the health workforce, professional practice, regulatory frameworks, and association governance.

His contributions span multiple leadership roles at both global and national levels. Internationally, he has served as a Liaison to the United Nations’ Economic and Social Council for Sigma Nursing and currently sits on the International Council of Nurses’ Regulatory Oversight Group. He is an alumnus of the International Council of Nurses’ Global Nursing Leadership Institute.

Nationally, he contributes to the advancement of nursing leadership, scholarship, and policy as a member of the Editorial Advisory Boards for the Canadian Journal of Nursing Leadership and Canadian Nurse. He also serves as Co-Lead for Governance and Regulation at the Canadian Health Workforce Network, shaping national dialogue on health workforce issues.

Statement of philosophy:

Canada’s nurses and health systems face sustained and intensifying pressures that directly affect the accessibility, quality, and sustainability of care. At the same time, rapid innovation is transforming how care is delivered and experienced. This moment demands both urgency and strategic foresight. A strong, unified, and forward-looking national professional nursing association is essential to addressing these challenges and scaling innovation.

Yet professional associations are themselves at an inflection point. Declining membership, shifting expectations, and increased competition require a fundamental rethinking of value, relevance, and impact. The Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) must be guided by bold, adaptive governance. The board plays a critical role in setting direction, ensuring accountability, and positioning the organization for long-term success. This requires directors who are strategic systems thinkers and able to balance vision with execution and navigate complexity across the health-care and association landscape.

I bring 14 years of experience across policy, research, education, and practice at local, national, and global levels. I am committed to contributing this perspective to strengthen governance, advance innovation, and help steward CNA into its next era of relevance and impact.

Biographical information:

Cates Bayabay is a Filipino-Canadian nurse who is living and serving the Inuit Territory of Nunavut. Up there is where she found a nursing practice that is always at the frontier of change: climate change, geopolitical activities, and technological advancements. And it’s where her nursing identity as a remote, northern nurse strengthened.

Her active engagement as board executives in the Canadian College of Health Leaders Midnight Sun Chapter, the Canadian Association for Rural and Remote Nurses, and the Northwest Territories and Nunavut Association of Nurses positions her as a strong advocate for advancing the distinctly expanded nursing scope of practice in rural and remote communities that enables access to health care possible in sparsely populated areas.

This aligns greatly with the Canadian Nurses Association’s strategic priorities for a healthier Canada and to “unleash the true value of the nursing workforce to meet population health needs”.

Agency and accountability are central to her work and way of life as well as the Filipino way of Kapwa (shared identity), Bayanihan (community spirit), and Kabutihang-Loob (kindness). These values and virtues form the constellation pointing to her North Star.

Statement of philosophy:

I believe in the power of nurses. We have the power to provide quality care to patients, clients, families, and communities. We have the power to coordinate care during emergencies and ensure that people continue to have access to health care. We have the power to lead innovation in health-care services delivery, keeping in mind health equity and social justice.

I humbly offer my lived experience as a clinician and nurse leader in a remote, northsetting where emergency management and strategizing solutions for workforce constraints has been an ongoing reality. I believe in leveraging the resourcefulness of remote, northern nurses in ideating solutions and strategies for national concerns, such as access to health-care services and nursing workforce shortages.

I believe in the power of our profession and the continued presence of our voice in national discussions regarding workforce planning, health equity and social justice, Indigenous relations and reconciliation, and technological advancements. It would be an honour to serve as a member of the board of directors and bring my unique perspectives as a northern nurse to the table.

Biographical information:

Sheila A. Boamah is an Associate Professor in the School of Nursing at McMaster University and a nurse scientist whose work is dedicated to advancing equitable, high-quality, and sustainable health-care systems.

Her research focuses on health system innovation, workforce sustainability, aging, and improving care for underserved populations, with a strong commitment to addressing the structural and social factors that shape health outcomes. Through collaborative partnerships with patients, communities, health-care providers, and system leaders, Boamah leads research that bridges evidence, policy, and practice to drive meaningful and practical change within health-care systems.

Her work is grounded in a systems-level perspective and informed by extensive experience in transdisciplinary and cross-sector collaboration, advancing integrated approaches that strengthen workforce capacity, improve care environments, and support sustainable health system transformation.

Beyond research, she is deeply committed to mentorship, leadership development, and fostering inclusive environments where nurses are empowered to innovate, influence policy, and lead change. Across her academic, governance, and collaborative leadership roles, she has worked to position nursing as a critical voice in shaping the future of health care in Canada.

Statement of philosophy:

My philosophy of nursing leadership is grounded in the belief that nurses are essential architects of a stronger, more equitable, and sustainable health system. Across clinical practice, research, education, and governance, I have cultivated a systems-level perspective focused on strengthening workforce sustainability, advancing health system resilience, and improving the health and well-being of Canadians.

As a nurse scientist and tri-council funded researcher, my work has focused on addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing nursing and health care today, including workforce retention and well-being, leadership capacity, health system transformation, and quality of care.

Through more than 80 peer-reviewed publications, I have generated evidence that informs policy, organizational strategy, and practical solutions grounded in the realities of frontline care. My governance experience in the long-term care sector has further strengthened my ability to navigate complex system issues, support strategic decision-making, and champion accountability, innovation, and quality improvement.

I am deeply committed to advancing equity, cultural safety, and Black, Indigenous, people of colour (BIPOC) health priorities, with a focus on dismantling systemic barriers and fostering inclusive environments where nurses are empowered to lead and influence change.

At a time when the nursing profession and health-care system are facing unprecedented pressures, the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) plays a critical leadership role in shaping national dialogue, policy, and advocacy efforts. As a CNA board member, I would bring a collaborative, evidence-informed, and future-oriented perspective to help address the critical issues impacting nurses and the communities they serve, while contributing to CNA’s vision for a more resilient, equitable, and high-performing health-care system in Canada.

Biographical information:

Florence Budden is a distinguished Canadian registered nurse and mental health advocate based in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. She is widely recognized for her leadership in improving the quality of life for individuals living with schizophrenia and psychosis.

She earned her Bachelor of Nursing from Memorial University of Newfoundland in 1988 and holds a national certification in Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing from the Canadian Nurses Association. Budden began her career at the Waterford Hospital in St. John’s, specializing in psychiatric care. Since 1998, she has been a nursing instructor at the Centre for Nursing Studies in St. John’s, where she teaches in both the Bachelor of Science of Nursing and Practical Nursing programs.

Budden has held numerous high-level leadership positions, including serving as President and Past President of the Schizophrenia Society of Canada. She also served as President of the Canadian Federation of Mental Health Nurses and was a Co-Chair for the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health.

Her contributions have been acknowledged through several prestigious honours, including the Michael Smith Award in 2008 and the CNA Nurse to Know recognition in 2012.

Throughout her career, she has championed stigma reduction, recovery-oriented care, and family support for those facing mental health challenges.

Statement of philosophy:

My nursing philosophy is defined by a deep-seated commitment to holistic, person-centred care and the belief that mental health is a fundamental human right. With over 35 years of experience in psychiatric and mental health nursing, I have learned that the core of our profession lies in seeing the person beyond their diagnosis.

I believe that recovery is not just a clinical outcome, but a collaborative journey involving the client, their family, and their community. I view nursing as a powerful vehicle for advocacy and social justice. My work as President of the Schizophrenia Society of Canada and Co-Chair of the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health has been driven by the conviction that nurses must use their voices to dismantle stigma and influence national policy.

To me, professional responsibility extends from the bedside to the boardroom; we have a duty to represent the perspectives of regulated nurses to ensure a more equitable health-care system. As a long-time educator at the Centre for Nursing Studies, I believe that mentorship and lifelong learning are essential to the integrity of our profession. I strive to empower students to master therapeutic communication, as it is the most vital tool in a nurse’s toolkit.

My philosophy is also grounded in quality and governance. By chairing quality management committees and serving as a shop steward, I uphold the standards that protect the public and ensure our profession remains respected and effective.

Ultimately, I am guided by a commitment to the public interest, seeking to foster an environment where every individual has access to compassionate, evidence-based, and dignified mental health care.

Biographical information:

Shakerah Jones Hall is an Instructor II at the College of Nursing, University of Manitoba, and a practising registered nurse with over 16 years of experience across pediatrics, emergencies, and critical care, in both rural and urban centres. I also practised in Jamaica before migrating to Canada.

She is the founder and Faculty Lead of the Canadian Black Nurses Alliance (CBNA) — UManitoba Chapter, supporting over 175 Black and racialized nursing students through mentorship, community building, and leadership development. She serves as a Faculty Mentor in the university’s Equity, Anti-Oppression and Social Justice Fellows Program and contribute to provincial and institutional initiatives advancing equity in health-care education and workforce development.

Jones Hall’s leadership extends to governance roles, including service on the College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba board and as Chair of a daycare board. She is the recipient of awards for teaching excellence and significant community service contributions, both within the University of Manitoba and the wider Manitoba community.

As a Black, immigrant, internationally educated nurse, she brings a unique perspective to addressing systemic inequities in nursing education and practice. Her work focuses on improving student success, supporting internationally educated nurses, and advancing inclusive, culturally safe health-care systems.

Statement of philosophy:

My philosophy of leadership is grounded in equity, accountability, rationality, and collective responsibility. I believe that nursing is not only a profession of care but also a powerful force for advocacy and systems transformation.

Nurses must be meaningfully included in decision-making spaces that shape health-care policy, education, and practice. I value collaborative leadership rooted in respect and inclusion. Strong governance requires open dialogue, critical reflection, and a willingness to ask difficult questions to ensure decisions are fair, transparent, and informed by both evidence and lived/living experience.

I am deeply committed to advancing equity within nursing. This includes addressing systemic barriers in education and practice and ensuring that all nurses and students, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds, have the support and opportunities needed to succeed. Equity work is not optional; it must be embedded into how we teach, lead, and practise.

As a Black, immigrant, internationally educated nurse and educator, I bring a unique perspective shaped by both lived/living and professional experience. I understand the complexities of the Canadian nursing education and health-care systems, and the ways in which inequities can shape experiences and outcomes.

Ultimately, I believe that leadership requires courage, integrity, and action. I am committed to contributing to a board that not only identifies challenges but works collaboratively toward sustainable, meaningful change that strengthens the nursing profession and improves care for all communities.

Biographical information:

Muyibat Omotunde, BA, BN, RN, MN, CHE, GNCC, is a registered nurse, leader, and researcher with experience across clinical practice, regulation, governance, education, and research.

Her nursing career spans the continuing care continuum, including roles as a licensed practical nurse, registered nurse/charge nurse, and Director of Care within continuing care settings. Omotunde has served with the Government of Alberta as a Health Compliance Officer, collaborating with continuing care providers to interpret legislation and standards and ensure services align with the Continuing Care Health Services Standards.

She also brings governance expertise as an appointed Public Member of the Alberta College of Optometrists, centring the public interest in board deliberations.

A Certified Health Executive (CHE) and Gerontological Nurse Certified (GNCC), Omotunde is currently enrolled in a PhD program, with research focused on the adoption and sustainment of health technology in long-term care.

She also serves as a board director of a nonprofit organization that advances culturally responsive engagement and health equity through community-based initiatives.

Statement of philosophy:

My philosophy is grounded in advancing safe, equitable, and evidence-informed nursing practice that responds to the evolving needs of individuals, communities, and health systems.

My ability to contribute to the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) is shaped by experience as a nurse leader, researcher, educator, and community advocate. As a former Health Compliance Officer with the Government of Alberta, I collaborated with continuing care providers to interpret legislation and standards, support the delivery of quality care, and conduct investigations to protect clients.

I also bring governance experience as a Public Member of the Alberta College of Optometrists, ensuring that the public interest remains central to board decision-making.

Through my PhD research on technology adoption in long-term care, I offer an innovation lens that focuses on usability, ethics, workforce support, and sustainable change to improve care delivery in the continuing care sector. My community leadership with a nonprofit organization further reflects a strong commitment to advancing health equity.

Guided by a public interest philosophy and informed by experience across care delivery, regulation, research, and advocacy, I am committed to advancing CNA’s leadership in nursing excellence through scholarship, leadership, and advocacy that strengthen nursing practice, innovation, and Canada’s health system.

Biographical information:

Dr. Tammy O’Rourke is a nurse practitioner, educator, researcher, and health system innovator with over two decades of experience advancing nursing practice across Canada. She currently serves as Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Health Disciplines at Athabasca University and maintains clinical practice through a virtual nurse practitioner–led service focused on improving access to care.

Dr. O’Rourke has led the development of nurse practitioner-led clinics and innovative models of community-based care, including academic-practice partnerships and integrated services supporting healthy aging.

She has worked with governments, academic institutions, and health-care organizations across multiple provinces to advance policy, education, and system transformation. Her research and leadership focus on workforce optimization, primary care innovation, and improving outcomes for patients and communities. She has held national service roles, contributed to regulatory and accreditation processes, and is recognized for her strategic, collaborative approach to leadership.

Dr. O’Rourke is a strong advocate for nursing leadership and the advancement of the profession, bringing a pan-Canadian perspective and a commitment to strengthening health-care systems for all.

Statement of philosophy:

I believe that all nurses possess the knowledge, capability, and professional commitment to improve outcomes for patients, families, communities, and the health system. What is often needed is not potential, but opportunity, a shared vision, a unified voice, and leadership that inspires confidence and action.

At a time when many health-care environments are experiencing strain, uncertainty, and loss of trust, visible and courageous nursing leadership has never been more important. Nurses understand the realities of care delivery, the needs of patients, and the pressures facing the workforce.

As the largest regulated health profession in Canada, nurses are uniquely positioned to help shape practical, compassionate, and sustainable solutions. I believe this is a defining moment for the profession. It is time for nurses to lead meaningful change by advancing excellence in care, strengthening workplaces, influencing policy, and restoring confidence in our health systems.

Through collaboration, advocacy, and principled leadership, nurses can help lighten the burden carried by patients, providers, and communities, while building a stronger and more hopeful future for health care in Canada.

Biographical information:

Dawn Peta is a dedicated nursing professional with a strong commitment to advancing patient care and supporting the nursing community.

With a background in clinical practice, Peta has developed expertise in delivering compassionate, patient-centred care while navigating the complexities of today’s health-care environment. Her experience has strengthened her ability to respond effectively to diverse patient needs and to advocate for safe, equitable, and high-quality care.

Throughout her career, Peta has demonstrated a passion for continuous learning and professional growth. She actively seeks opportunities to expand her knowledge and contribute to evidence-informed practice. Her collaborative approach enables her to work effectively within interdisciplinary teams, fostering positive relationships that enhance patient outcomes and workplace culture.

Peta is also committed to addressing broader issues within the health-care system, including workforce sustainability, health equity, and access to care. She believes in the importance of strong nursing leadership and is motivated to contribute to initiatives that support both nurses and the populations they serve.

Known for her integrity, empathy, and dedication, Peta strives to make a meaningful impact in her profession. She remains focused on promoting excellence in nursing and contributing to a stronger, more responsive health-care system.

Statement of philosophy:

Canada’s nurses and health systems face sustained and intensifying pressures that directly affect the accessibility, quality, and sustainability of care. At the same time, rapid innovation is transforming how care is delivered and experienced. This moment demands both urgency and strategic foresight.

A strong, unified, and forward-looking national professional nursing association is essential to addressing these challenges and scaling innovation. Yet professional associations are themselves at an inflection point. Declining membership, shifting expectations, and increased competition require a fundamental rethinking of value, relevance, and impact.

The Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) must be guided by bold, adaptive governance. The board plays a critical role in setting direction, ensuring accountability, and positioning the organization for long-term success. This requires directors who are strategic systems thinkers and able to balance vision with execution and navigate complexity across the health-care and association landscape.

I bring 14 years of experience across policy, research, education, and practice at local, national, and global levels. I am committed to contributing this perspective to strengthen governance, advance innovation, and help steward CNA into its next era of relevance and impact.

Biographical information:

Karen Redpath is currently the Director of Clinical Services at Georgian Bay General Hospital and a Contract Professor in the Nursing Program at Georgian College.

A registered nurse by background, Redpath brings more than 15 years of senior leadership experience across complex acute care systems. She has led multiple clinical portfolios and served in interim executive roles as Vice President and Chief Nursing Executive during periods of significant system change and recovery.

Redpath is recognized for her transformational leadership style and her ability to advance regional partnerships that improve access to care, optimize system capacity, and bring services closer to home. She holds a Master of Health Management as a Certified Health Executive and Change Management Specialist and is deeply committed to advancing equity informed health-care delivery, workforce engagement, and sustainable system design.

Redpath’s leadership reflects a strong focus on collaboration, inclusion, and achieving meaningful outcomes for patients, families, and the communities she serves.

Statement of philosophy:

My leadership philosophy is rooted in the belief that a strong, sustainable health-care system depends on empowered nurses at every stage of their careers. I am particularly passionate about supporting new nurses as they transition into practice, recognizing that early professional experiences shape confidence, competence, and long-term retention in the profession.

With over 30 years in nursing and extensive leadership experience, I bring a commitment to fostering environments where nurses feel valued, supported, and inspired to lead. I believe mentorship, psychological safety, and continuous learning are essential to building resilient teams and advancing high-quality, patient-centred care.

Through my work, I have seen the impact of investing in people — especially emerging nurses — and the difference it makes in strengthening workforce stability and improving outcomes. At a national level, the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) has a vital role in advocating for policies, education, and practice environments that enable nurses to thrive.

I am committed to contributing a collaborative, inclusive, and forward-thinking perspective that elevates the nursing profession and ensures future generations are supported to succeed and lead.

Biographical information:

Katie Robertson is a registered nurse (RN) with a Master of Nursing in Health Systems Leadership and Administration (MN HSLA) and Certified Health Executive (CHE) designation, based in Metcalfe, Ontario.

Her leadership experience spans rural acute care settings, nursing education, and health system management, giving her a strong appreciation for the diversity of nursing practice across Canada. Much of her professional perspective has been shaped by work in rural health care, where nurses practise with broad scope, adaptability, and strong clinical judgment while navigating limited resources and access challenges.

This experience informs her commitment to advancing professional standards, workforce sustainability, and equitable access to care. Robertson has contributed to health system leadership and advocacy through involvement with the Healthcare Professional Leadership Council for the Women’s Health Coalition of Ontario, supporting collaborative and evidence‑informed approaches to healthcare and policy issues.

She brings a collaborative, governance focused perspective rooted in patient centred care, professional accountability, and ensuring rural nursing voices are reflected in national decision-making.

Statement of philosophy:

I believe strong, effective nursing leadership is essential to advancing a sustainable, equitable, and high-quality health-care system across Canada. My philosophy is grounded in patient centred care, professional accountability, and evidence informed decision making, with particular attention to the realities and strengths of rural nursing practice.

Rural nurses play a critical role in ensuring access to care across the continuum, often within resource-constrained settings that require adaptability, collaboration, and sound clinical judgment.

Through my leadership experience in rural health care, I bring a system-level perspective on workforce sustainability, quality improvement, and the integration of professional standards into practice and policy.

As a member of the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) board, I would contribute a collaborative, governance focused approach to addressing issues critical to nursing and health care, including health equity, access to care, professional practice standards, and evidence informed health policy.

I am committed to advancing nursing leadership and advocacy nationally, ensuring that the voices and experiences of rural nurses inform strategic decision-making and support a resilient nursing profession.

Biographical information:

Bridget Stack is a registered nurse with experience in acute care leadership and health system work in New Brunswick. She currently serves in a senior nursing leadership role, where her focus includes supporting nurses, contributing to quality improvement initiatives, and strengthening leadership capacity within complex care environments.

Stack has worked alongside nurses across clinical and leadership roles and brings an appreciation for the day‑to‑day realities of nursing practice, particularly in the context of post‑pandemic pressures and ongoing system change. She values listening, collaboration, and creating space for nursing perspectives to inform decision‑making.

She is in the final year of her Doctor of Nursing degree at the University of Toronto, with academic interests in nursing leadership, communities of practice, and system‑level change.

Stack seeks to integrate scholarship with practical experience and is committed to contributing to the nursing profession in ways that are thoughtful, grounded, and responsive to the evolving needs of nurses across Canada.

Statement of philosophy:

My commitment to nursing is grounded in a deep respect for the profession’s knowledge, values, and essential role in shaping the health of individuals, communities, and the health system as a whole.

As a nurse leader and scholar, I am driven by the belief that meaningful health system change occurs when the voices of nurses are heard, valued, and positioned to influence decision‑making at all levels. I have spent my career working alongside nurses in complex acute care environments, witnessing both the impact of nurse leadership on patient outcomes and the consequences of a system that too often overlooks nursing expertise across roles and settings.

I am passionate about strengthening the nursing voice — across practice, leadership, policy, and scholarship — as a catalyst for a more responsive, equitable, and sustainable health system.

I believe the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) has a critical role in championing nursing perspectives nationally, fostering leadership across career stages, and advancing evidence‑informed dialogue on the future of health care in Canada.

As a member of the board, I would bring a balanced, collaborative approach grounded in academic inquiry, lived leadership experience, and a clear commitment to advocating for the nursing profession while contributing to thoughtful system‑level change.

Biographical information:

Melinda Wall, MN, RN, CHE, is a senior health-care leader with 20 years of experience as a registered nurse spanning clinical practice, nursing administration, and executive leadership.

Her career has included roles in acute care, mental health and addictions, community health, and population-based work focused on the social determinants of health and health equity. She has held progressive leadership positions in hospitals and community organizations, including Director of Collaborative Practice in a large regional hospital and Vice Presidentoverseeing integrated care, strategic operations, and interdisciplinary teams.

Wall’s work is grounded in a commitment to advancing equitable, person-centred care and strengthening the conditions in which nurses can thrive. She has extensive experience in governance, organizational performance, workforce planning, and cross-sector collaboration, and is known for fostering transparent, respectful, and values-driven work environments.

She has contributed to provincial and regional initiatives aimed at improving access, quality, and integration across the health system, including work in primary care transformation, mental health and addictions, and community-based models of care.

Her experience leading diverse teams and navigating complex system challenges has shaped her belief in the essential role of nursing leadership in shaping the future of health care in Canada. Wall brings a systems-level perspective, a deep commitment to health equity, and a strong dedication to strengthening nursing across the country.

Statement of philosophy:

With 20 years of experience as a registered nurse across clinical practice, leadership, and nursing administration, I bring a comprehensive understanding of the issues shaping nursing and health care in Canada.

My career spans acute care, mental health and addictions, community health, and work grounded in the social determinants of health and health equity. These experiences have strengthened my belief that nursing leadership is essential to advancing accessible, equitable, person-centred care.

I have been an engaged member of the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario throughout my career, including serving as an Executive Network Officer, where I supported policy advocacy, member engagement, and evidence-informed practice.

Early in my development, I completed a practicum under the mentorship of former CNA President Dr. Barb Mildon during her presidency (2012–2014), an experience that deepened my understanding of national nursing leadership, governance, and the importance of a unified professional voice. As a senior leader, I have championed environments where nurses can thrive, prioritizing psychological safety, professional growth, and the system conditions required for high-quality care.

I would bring to the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) board of directors a strong commitment to advancing the profession, a systems-level perspective, and a deep belief in the power of nursing to shape the future of health care in Canada.

Biographical information:

Chris Watkins, MN, BScPN, RPN, is a nationally recognized nursing leader with more than 38 years of experience in mental health nursing, clinical leadership, and advocacy.

He currently serves as Director of Clinical Services at Connective, where he provides executive oversight for clinical programs and services across British Columbia and the Yukon. Watkins has contributed extensively to the nursing profession through national and provincial governance and leadership roles. He is the first registered psychiatric nurse appointed to the CNA board of directors. He also serves as a Leadership and Administration Councillor with Nurses and Nurse Practitioners of British Columbia and as an Editorial Board Member with the Journal of Mental Health and Addiction Nursing.

His system and community leadership includes involvement with the Canadian Network for Research in Schizophrenia and Psychoses and the Standards Council of Canada, as well as previous advocacy roles with the Schizophrenia Society of Canada and the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health.

He has served as President of the College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Alberta and as President Elect of the Canadian Federation of Mental Health Nurses.

Watkins’s work is grounded in a strong commitment to equity, reconciliation, and advocacy.

Statement of philosophy:

My philosophy of leadership and governance is grounded in advancing nursing as a powerful, trusted force for health system transformation, equity, and public good.

I believe the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) plays a critical role in shaping policy, strengthening the professional voice, and ensuring that nurses are supported in providing safe, high-quality, person-centred, and trauma-informed care across all settings.

I bring a career-long commitment to mental health and substance use care, health equity, reconciliation, and trauma-informed practice, informed by extensive experience across acute care, community services, justice and corrections, public safety, and disaster response.

I understand the pressures facing nurses today — workforce sustainability, moral distress, system fragmentation, access gaps, and the growing complexity of patient needs — and the importance of addressing these challenges through evidence, collaboration, professionalism and advocacy.

As a committed board member, I contribute a governance perspective that values accountability, inclusion, and strategic foresight. I am committed to elevating nursing voices, strengthening interdisciplinary partnerships, and supporting policies that enable nurses to practise to full scope, particularly in underserved, rural, remote, and marginalized communities.

My goal is to help CNA continue to lead with integrity, courage, and compassion in shaping the future of health care in Canada.