Meetings & Conferences

The Canadian Nursing Students’ Association (CNSA) organizes a variety of meetings and conferences each year. These events ensure that students from across the country have a voice in shaping the Association’s priorities, connecting with peers, and advancing the nursing profession. Whether it’s voting on national policies, discussing local issues, or attending educational sessions, these gatherings are at the heart of what makes CNSA student-driven.

Conferences are at the heart of CNSA activities!

Conferences bring students together to discuss issues, hear educational speakers and have fun with other students from across the region or country.

There are two major types of conferences: National and Regional. Conferences have a theme that organizes the material and format of the conference. Usually a conference has a speaker format which includes nursing leaders/experts and student presentations. Each conference has a Conference Director. During or before a conference, the Association also has its business meetings.

External Conferences

For the convenience of its members, CNSA posts external conference dates. If you are hosting a conference or event that you think would be of interest to Canadian nursing students, please contact communications@cnsa.ca and we will feature it on our website! Submissions should be laid out in a format similar to this.

🏛 National Assembly

The National Assembly is CNSA’s annual general meeting and the highest decision-making body of the Association. Delegates from every chapter across Canada attend to:

• Vote on motions that set the Association’s direction

• Elect the Board of Directors and Administrative Council

• Debate issues of national importance in nursing education and practice

• Provide feedback on policies, advocacy campaigns, and strategic plans
  

  Save the Date: The next National Assembly will be held in conjunction with the National Conference in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, January 2026. All members are encouraged to attend.

🌎 Regional Meetings

Regional Executive Meetings are held twice a year in each of CNSA’s five regions (Atlantic, Quebec, Ontario, Prairie, Western). They provide space for students to:

• Raise issues specific to their region

• Discuss concerns to be brought forward to the National Assembly

• Participate in regional caucuses (Francophone, Indigenous, Equity-seeking groups, etc.)

• Build leadership and advocacy skills in a smaller, more interactive setting

🏫 Chapter Meetings

At the local level, CNSA Chapter Schools hold their own meetings throughout the academic year. These meetings allow students to:

• Discuss issues affecting their school or community

• Decide which matters should be elevated to the regional or national level

• Plan local events, mentorship programs, and advocacy initiatives

Chapter meetings are typically coordinated by the Official Delegate (OD) and Associate Delegate (AD), but all students are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Conferences: The Heart of CNSA

Conferences are where the energy of CNSA truly comes alive. They bring students together to learn, share ideas, and celebrate nursing. Each conference offers:

• Inspiring keynote speakers and panels with nurse leaders

• Student research presentations and poster sessions

• Networking opportunities with peers, educators, and professional organizations

• Skills-building workshops, social events, and mentorship opportunities

• Business meetings of the Association (for delegates)

🌐 National Conferences

Held every January, the National Conference is CNSA’s largest annual event. With 300–500 nursing students in attendance, it features a theme each year that reflects current issues in health care. Past themes have included health equity, digital innovation, Indigenous health, and workforce sustainability.

📍 Regional Conferences

Each of CNSA’s five regions hosts a Regional Conference once a year. These events provide a smaller, more intimate setting for students to:

• Discuss regional health and education issues

• Connect with local organizations and guest speakers

• Build networks within their own provinces and regions

• Prepare for participation in the National Assembly

2025 Prairie Regional Conference

This year’s Prairie Regional will take place at the University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, on September 25–26, 2025.

More information can be found here

🌍 External Conferences

CNSA also shares information on external opportunities relevant to Canadian nursing students. These include events hosted by the Canadian Association of Nurses in Oncology (CANO/ACIO), Canadian Nurses Association (CNA), Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions (CFNU), and international organizations like the International Council of Nurses (ICN).

If you are hosting or aware of an event that may benefit nursing students, please email communications@cnsa.ca for inclusion on our website.