About the CFNU (Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions)

The Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions (CFNU) is the national voice of nearly 250,000 frontline nurses and student nurses across Canada. As a federation, CFNU brings together provincial nurses’ unions to advocate for safe staffing, improved working conditions, strong public healthcare, and respect for the nursing profession.

CFNU’s work covers many areas that directly affect nursing students and new graduates, including:

Safe Staffing & Workload – Advocating for legislated nurse-to-patient ratios and policies that prevent burnout.
Workplace Safety – Campaigning against workplace violence, harassment, and unsafe working conditions.
Fair Compensation & Benefits – Pushing for wages, benefits, and working conditions that reflect nurses’ value.
Mental Health & Well-Being – Promoting supports for nurses and nursing students facing stress, burnout, and mental health challenges.
Public Healthcare Protection – Defending Canada’s publicly funded healthcare system against privatization and underfunding.
Research & Policy – Publishing reports and evidence-based recommendations on the nursing workforce, staffing shortages, and patient care.

The Student Connection: CNSA Representation

Within the Canadian Nursing Students’ Association (CNSA), our President holds a seat on the CFNU Board of Directors as the official student representative. This ensures that the voices of nursing students are included in national-level discussions about healthcare policy, working conditions, and the future of the profession.

This partnership bridges the student and professional nursing communities, helping future nurses understand advocacy at the national level while amplifying student concerns to decision-makers.

Why CFNU Matters for Students

As future RNs, everything CFNU advocates for will directly shape your work environment after graduation. From safe staffing ratios to job security, CFNU’s national voice influences the conditions you will enter as a new grad.

For students, CFNU provides:

A Seat at the Table: Through CNSA, students have direct representation at the national level.
Networking & Mentorship: Opportunities to connect with leaders in nursing unions, policy, and advocacy.
Policy & Advocacy Experience: Learning how national advocacy is done and how students can take part in campaigns.
Research & Resources: Access to reports and briefs on topics like the nursing shortage, retention, and safe staffing—valuable for assignments and advocacy projects.
Pathway to Involvement: Many CNSA graduates go on to leadership roles in CFNU or their provincial unions.