About the Canadian Nursing Students’ Association (CNSA)
The Canadian Nursing Students’ Association (CNSA) is the national voice of nursing students across Canada. Founded in 1971, the CNSA advocates for the social, political, and professional issues that matter most to nursing students, ensuring their voices are represented at the federal, provincial/territorial, and international levels.
With over 30,000 members, CNSA is one of the largest national student associations in the country. We are a bilingual and pan-Canadian organization, reflecting the diversity of nursing students and programs across Canada.
Our Mission
To advocate for the needs, rights, and interests of nursing students in Canada.
To promote leadership, education, research, and professional development.
To strengthen the nursing profession by empowering the next generation of nurses.
What We Do
Advocacy: Representing nursing students to government, regulatory bodies, and healthcare organizations.
Education & Networking: Hosting national and regional conferences, webinars, and forums where students can learn, collaborate, and connect.
Partnerships: Collaborating with national organizations such as the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA), Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions (CFNU), and the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN).
Student Support: Providing opportunities for involvement, mentorship, and leadership development across Canada.
Membership Benefits
Access to national and regional conferences.
Opportunities to network with peers and professionals.
A platform to influence nursing education, policy, and practice.
Connection to an international nursing student community through global partnerships.
For more on the history of the Canadian University Nursing Students’ Association evolving into the Canadian Nursing Students’ Association, read a history brief from Luc Therrien, MN, the Québec Regional Director (1981-1982), President (1982-1983) and Resource Person (1986-1994).
