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Frontline nurses celebrate two decades of dynamic leadership from CFNU President Linda Silas
The Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions (CFNU) is celebrating two decades of its President Linda Silas bringing the concerns of Canada’s nurses to Canada’s political and policy leaders. Silas was nominated March 10th for the 10th time unchallenged, proud to accept the uncontested support from nurses across the country.
“Frontline nurses have faced years of growing challenges, worsening working conditions and now dire staffing shortages. Time and again, Linda Silas has shown herself to be a passionate and potent national voice for nurses,” said Pauline Worsfold, CFNU’s Secretary-Treasurer. “Whether it has been confronting governments on the need to better support nurses, protecting Canada’s cherished public health care system, or advocating for universal pharmacare, Linda has been tireless in making sure that Canada’s nurses aren’t ignored by politicians and policy makers.”
Silas was an ICU and emergency room nurse and led the New Brunswick Nurses Union before being elected president of the CFNU in 2003. Silas ran for the CFNU presidency on a platform of bringing the issues of working nurses to national political leaders and senior public service officials.
“Our health care system is crumbling. Nurses are facing difficult working conditions and endless staffing shortages. It is critical we make sure Canada’s leaders hear loud and clear from Canada’s nurses,” said Silas. “I am honoured to continue to serve as president of the CFNU and help amplify the voices of Canada’s family of nurses. Solving today’s health crisis starts with governments listening to nurses.”
Worsfold adds, “We have not only become a leading national health care voice in Canada, but also a policy powerhouse. We don’t just complain about what’s gone wrong – we bring forward concrete initiatives to fix these problems. Linda’s strong leadership, fighting for urgent action, is needed now more than ever.”
NSNU president, Janet Hazelton offered congratulations. The two, Linda and Janet, have worked side by side for many years and have achieved many positive initiatives throughout their unions careers.
The CFNU is Canada’s largest nurses’ organization, representing Canada’s frontline nurses in every sector of health care – from home care, to LTC, community and acute care, including nursing students – and advocating on key health priorities and federal engagement in the future of public health care.
