RNAO member and member of the Nursing Students of Ontario (NSO) Tanya Smith co-authored an op-ed about Bill 124, the wage suppression legislation that the Ontario Superior Court found infringed upon Charter rights. Despite this ruling, the Ontario government is appealing the decision. Smith notes that “nurses are the backbone of our health-care system and the lack of funding for our nurses means not only a lack of staff to support patients, but also a lack of education and mentorship for the next generation of health-care professionals.” It also highlights the important role of experienced nurses in providing guidance not only to newly-graduated nurses but also to physicians. The signatories call on the Ontario government to end its efforts to revive Bill 124. “Anything less signals a blatant disrespect to a profession that deserves more,” writes Smith. (Healthy Debate, Jan. 23)