Strengthening Nurses: Alberta and Canadian Nurses Associations Connect Under New Collaborative Model
An expanded membership model empowers the Alberta Association of Nurses’ member with national representation —supporting a stronger, more unified voice for the nursing profession in Canada.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
In a historic step toward a more unified nursing community, the Alberta Association of Nurses (AAN) and the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) are excited to announce a new partnership that will provide AAN members with a CNA membership. The partnership will strengthen collaboration and align provincial and national advocacy for nurses. The move will make AAN the first jurisdiction in Canada to formally reconnect with the CNA as an organizational affiliate.
Terri Shaul, AAN’s Operations Director explains, “It will take a full year to transition all AAN members to a common CNA membership. We have heard from our members that they want to better align with CNA and to be members of an association with a provincial and national reach, and we have responded. We are proud to be re-uniting with CNA.”
Says Kathy Howe, CEO for AAN, “Unifying our purpose with a like-minded organization like CNA makes sense for AAN and our members. This partnership is a powerful way to strengthen access for Alberta’s nurses to more professional development opportunities, resources, and benefits; and partnering with CNA gives us the opportunity to unite the voices of Alberta’s nurses with thousands of nurses across Canada.”
Says Valerie Grdisa, CEO for CNA, “‘We are stronger when we are united. The integration of AAN marks a historic milestone in our journey to unify and empower nurses nationwide. There couldn’t be a more critical time to be united, to drive policy and to push for legislative and regulatory modernization in healthcare; ensuring Canadians have a sustainable health system for years to come.’’
This renewed partnership marks a pivotal moment for nursing in Alberta and Canada—one rooted in unity, shared purpose, and a commitment to advancing the profession.
Together, AAN and CNA are forging a stronger, more cohesive voice for nurses, ensuring they are empowered, protected, and heard at every level of the healthcare system.
For more information about the Alberta Association of Nurses, visit https://albertanursing.ca/.
_________________________________________________________________
About the Alberta Association of Nurses
The Alberta Association of Nurses (AAN) is the first professional association for all Alberta nurses, including LPNs, RNs, RPNs, NPs, nursing students, and retired nurses. Formed in 2022, its mandate is to enhance, promote, and advocate on behalf of the nursing profession. AAN’s purpose is to advance our members and the nursing profession through collective advocacy, member benefits, meaningful connection, and professional development.
To learn more about the AAN, visit albertanursing.ca, or connect with AAN on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.
About the Canadian Nurses Association
The Canadian Nurses Association is the national and global professional voice of Canadian nursing. Our mission is to advance the nursing profession to improve health outcomes in Canada’s publicly funded, not-for-profit health system. CNA is the only national association that speaks for all nurses in all sectors and practice settings across all 13 provinces and territories. We represent unionized and non-unionized nurses, retired nurses, nursing students, and all categories of nurses (licensed and registered practical nurses, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and registered psychiatric nurses).
Media Contact
Paula Worthington
Worthington PR & Story
For the Alberta Association of Nurses
(403) 585 2429
Rachel Redmond
Worthington PR & Story
For the Alberta Association of Nurses
(403) 305 0503
