ICN President Pamela Cipriano praises nurses for their successful campaign to have a government level Chief Nurse in Canada

International Council of Nurses President Dr Pamela Cipriano has welcomed the decision of the Canadian government to recruit a Federal Chief Nurse, following a long campaign by the Canadian Nurses Association.

ICN firmly believes that every country should have an effective government level Chief Nursing Officer to lead nurses and influence health policy at the highest level.

Speaking after the announcement by Health Canada on February 1, Dr Cipriano said she was delighted the long fought campaign, which was supported by ICN First Vice President Lisa Little and its Chief Nursing Officer Michelle Acorn, had come to a successful conclusion.

“Canada’s nurses are going to get a strategic leader who will represent nursing at the heart of government and increase the influence of our great profession on healthcare for the people of Canada.

‘I hope that this two-year appointment will become a permanent post once the government realises the positive effects of having the voice of nursing central to stabilising the workforce and establishing effective health policies.

‘The tenacity of our colleagues in Canada has paid off, and I and my nursing colleagues around the world will do everything we can to support the appointed nurse to maximise the effectiveness of the role.

‘All nations should have a government level chief nursing officer, and I am sure that Canada’s example of reinstating the position will encourage others to follow in its footsteps. This could not have come at a more crucial time to guide a response that safeguards a fragile nursing workforce. The chief nursing officer will provide a key influential voice to help shape all aspects of health policy and care delivery for the future.”

In 2020 an ICN survey found that only half the countries in the world had an effective Government level Chief Nurse.

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