While the Ontario Nurses Assocation (ONA) is celebrating the work of all the province's nurses, it is reiterating the need for better support and fight against Bill 124, which introduced wage suppressions affecting health care workers. 

As nurses face stifled wages and continue to be short staffed, the union is continuing its fight against Bill 124 and other cuts by Premier Doug Ford’s government, including underspending more than $400 on healthcare since 2018. 

Their theme of this week is “Dedicated to Care. Fighting for Change.” The union is calling for fairness and respect from both the public and government, especially as they face staff shortages amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The bill's full name is: Protecting a Sustainable Public Sector for Future Generations Act.

ONA president Kathyrn Hoy said that while the week is meant to be a celebration, the union is sending "a message of support and unity" as nurses continue their work against COVID.

Along with the union's address, the city of Toronto proclaimed the beginning of its National Nurses week with a celebration running from May 9 to 16. 

At City Hall, Toronto Mayor John Tory said the week is to intersect with International Nurses Day on May 12. 

Toronto’s theme for the week is “We Answer the call.” 

Tory thanked nurses for their continued work during the COVID-19 pandemic, and said they are the foundation of the healthcare system. 

More details to come.

Listen to CJRU's coverage of Nursing week 2022 here: