CNSA ELECTIONS 2026-2027 Board of directors

 
 
 
 

CNSA elections are designed to be standardized, transparent, and fair. This page explains who can run, how nominations work, what to expect during speeches and Q&A, and how voting and results are handled.

New governance structure: For details about the updated Board structure, roles, and how governance works, please refer to the Governance Structure page.

 

2026 Application Form
The application form for the 2026 CNSA Elections is not yet open. Please stay tuned — this page will be updated once the form is available.

 

Who Can Run

Candidates must meet the eligibility requirements outlined in the Terms of Reference for the position they are applying for.

To be eligible, candidates must:

  • Be a current student in a registered, practical, or psychiatric nursing program in Canada

  • Be affiliated with a CNSA Chapter Member school in good standing, or hold a valid Friends of CNSA membership (where applicable)

Not eligible: Students enrolled in master’s or doctoral nursing programs may not run for CNSA Board positions.

Required Submissions

All candidates must submit:

  • Proof of enrollment in an eligible nursing program

Applicants for Executive positions must also submit:

  • One (1) non-academic letter of reference (professional, volunteer, or leadership)

  • Referee contact information

Term Limits

  • Board members may reapply for a new term or a different position if eligibility requirements are met

  • No individual may serve more than two (2) consecutive terms in the same elected position

CNSA BOARD POSITIONS
 

Nomination and Screening Process

Submission of Expression of Interest

  • Candidates must submit a completed Expression of Interest Form at least two (2) weeks prior to the Annual General Meeting (AGM)

  • Late submissions will not be accepted by the Elections Committee

Eligibility Review

All Expressions of Interest are reviewed by the Elections Committee to ensure that candidates meet CNSA’s eligibility criteria and standards of office.

The review includes confirmation that:

  • The candidate is a current student at a CNSA Chapter Member school in good standing, or holds a valid Friends of CNSA membership

  • The candidate will remain a student for the majority of their term

  • All nomination documents have been completed accurately and submitted on time

  • The candidate upholds the standards of professionalism, accountability, and conduct expected of Board members

Candidates who do not meet eligibility requirements or standards of office will be deemed ineligible to stand for election.

Candidate Announcement

  • The final list of approved candidates will be published one (1) week prior to the AGM on the CNSA website and/or official social media channels

  • Candidate profiles will be made publicly available to promote transparency and engagement, including:

    • Name

    • School

    • Short biography

    • Headshot

    • Pre-screened questions

 

Speeches and Question Period

Speech Guidelines

Speech guidelines will be provided to approved candidates at least one (1) week prior to the National Conference. Candidates are expected to review and follow all guidelines, including expectations related to:

  • Timing

  • Professional and respectful communication

  • Fair and equitable participation across positions

Speech Time Limits

  • President: 5 minutes + 5 minutes for questions

  • National Conference Coordinator: 10 minutes + 5 minutes for questions

  • All other positions: 3 minutes + 2 minutes for questions

Regional Director speeches and question periods will occur within regional meetings whenever possible to support accessibility and regional representation.

Question Period

Questions may be posed by registered AGM attendees, including:

  • Official and Associate Delegates

  • Members of the Board of Directors

The Chair of the Elections Committee reserves the right to moderate or dismiss questions that are inappropriate, repetitive, or outside the scope of the election.

 

Conduct and Expectations

Candidates are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful, professional, and inclusive manner throughout the election process and during all campaign-related activities.

All candidates must uphold the values of the Canadian Nursing Students’ Association during speeches and engagement with members.

 

Voting

Voting Eligibility

  • Each CNSA Chapter holds one (1) vote

  • The vote is cast by the Official Delegate (OD) or, in their absence, the Associate Delegate (AD

 

Results and Ratification

Election Results

  • Election results are officially announced during the National Conference following the close of voting

  • Results are presented by the Director of Membership and verified by the Elections Committee

  • Successful candidates are publicly acknowledged and welcomed as the incoming Board of Directors

Oath of Office

  • All elected Directors are required to sign the Oath of Office following the announcement of results

  • Signing the Oath confirms acceptance of responsibilities, commitment to CNSA’s values and bylaws, and adherence to confidentiality and ethical conduct

  • The newly elected Board assumes office at the official changeover date of March 1st of the elected year.