Dr. Doris Grinspun

If you are not an RNAO member, you may not realize the difference between policy and politics.

In fact, you may get them confused. If you are a member, you are no doubt a savvy expert on differentiating between the two. And you are also very aware that advancing healthy public policy – ranging from social and environmental determinants of health all the way to nursing human resources and scope of practice – is RNAO’s end goal.

So, how does RNAO, on the eve of a provincial election (June
7), use politics to advance policy? Moreover, how do we do it in an environment of ongoing political turmoil? For RNAO, political turmoil is not a barrier, but rather an opportunity to leverage our expertise to influence healthy public policy.

Here is how it works.

At Queen’s Park Day 2018, we released a robust and well-researched policy platform (RNAO.ca/improvinghealthforall) that included a beautifully designed brochure and 10 evidence-based policy backgrounders for issues important to members, the nursing profession, and the health of Ontarians. During our breakfast with MPPs, we discussed RNAO’s top priorities and handed them the full set of backgrounders. This is a perfect example of how we use evidence in our respectful “politicking” with politicians to inform and influence.

This year, we added the voices of our patient and public engagement (PPE) council members to the mix, inviting council co-chair Sholom Glouberman and others to provide a public voice and perspective to our conversations with MPPs. Also this year, we were privileged to have the participation of a person with lived experience on the streets of Toronto. You may remember I spoke with you in my last dispatch about two amazing people I met on the street – Joe King and Shane Choinard. We were honoured that Shane attended, was recognized by the health minister – as many of our members were – during question period in the legislature, and shared his experiences in a powerful afternoon panel discussion focused on homelessness.

The more RNs, NPs and nursing students we have involved in formal or informal politics, the more we will be recognized as an influential body politic.

For Shane, this was a first. He marveled at the proceedings and even more so at the beauty of the Queen’s Park building, which, until that day, he had only seen from the outside. For RNAO, it was also a first to bring a person who is still living on the streets to share his experiences. It was a very moving experience for so many of us. Our president, Carol Timmings eloquently commented on how inspiring it is to see Shane powerfully express hope in the midst of the challenges he faces.

Now, let me get back to this topic of evidence and politics. After all, there’s an election coming. Indeed, June 7 will be a big day for Ontario, with big decisions to make. Each and every member will have their personal choice to make. And as a non-partisan association, we respect all choices. Regardless of your political leanings, we urge you to get involved in this election to help advance RNAO’s platform. Each political party has work to do to improve health for all.

The more RNs, NPs and nursing students we have involved in formal or informal politics, the more we will be recognized as an influential body politic.

For example, think about going with a candidate to knock on doors. If you decide to get involved with a specific party or candidate, we will celebrate that you are embracing the opportunity, but we must remind you that in such a case, you are not representing RNAO, but rather leaning on our policy platform only for information.

If you don’t want to get involved with a particular party or politician, we urge you to consider contacting the policy department at RNAO home office to help organize or join an all-candidate session in your community.

Promote your event to nurses, the public and the media in your local newspaper. Create flyers and talk to people about attending for a chance to ask politicians the
tough questions.

Another way to get involved is by writing letters to the editor and opinion pieces for publication. Is there a hot issue in your community that you want all candidates and the public to notice? Or is dialogue about that particular issue absent from discussions in your community? Think about initiating the conversation yourself through the media.

By getting involved, you will see this kind of respectful and well-informed politics is an essential part of driving healthy public policy. And healthy public policy is essential for good health.

Thank you for being engaged. RNAO is here to support you all the way. And on June 7, please remember to exercise your right to vote.