RNAO’s 2024 AGM was an inspiring event that included many special guests who attended in person and virtually. International nursing leaders included Dr. Amelia Latu Afuhaamango Tuipulotu, chief nursing officer for the World Health Organization, Dr. Pamela Cipriano, president of the International Council of Nurses, and Dr. Sandra Garmon Bibb, president of Sigma International's board of directors. Government dignitaries included Premier Doug Ford and Health Minister Sylvia Jones, both of whom attended virtually, and in-person appearances by Long-Term Care Minister and practising RN Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, NDP Culture Critic Dr. Jill Andrew, Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie, Deputy Green Party Leader Aislinn Clancy, Deputy Minister of Health Deborah Richardson, Ontario’s secretary of cabinet Michelle DiEmanuele and the provincial chief nursing officer Dr. Karima Velji. 

A traditional Indigenous opening from Grandmother Dorothy Peters marked the start of the annual event’s business proceedings, which included RNAO CEO Dr. Doris Grinspun’s report, member updates on their activities at the chapter, region and interest group levels, other executive reports, and the announcement of the association’s new board of directors (the full list is published at RNAO Board of directors).

Consultation representatives discussed and voted on the resolutions that the association will take forward (read more about resolutions in Have your say: How to submit a resolution), Recognition Award winners were acknowledged (read more below), and outgoing president Dr. Claudette Holloway officially handed the presidency over to NP Lhamo Dolkar.

The Nursing Students of Ontario (NSO) hosted a leadership luncheon with Richardson, who talked about being an Indigenous woman at Queen’s Park, and about the challenges she has faced in her pursuit of leadership. She expressed her gratitude to nursing students as tomorrow’s leaders in health care and helped to present the 2024 Student of Distinction award.