The Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland & Labrador (RNU), representing nearly 6,000 registered nurses and nurse practitioners, has delivered an election package to all major political parties. The message is clear: nurses want answers, and they expect more than vague promises.

The union has asked each party to clearly outline how they will strengthen the public healthcare system and support the nursing profession. All responses will be shared directly with RNU’s members, who will weigh them carefully when they cast their ballots in October.

“Our members are keeping the public healthcare system standing, often under impossible conditions,” said Yvette Coffey, RN, President of RNU. “Nurses are looking for real commitments that will make their workplaces safer and their profession stronger. Party leaders need to step up and tell us exactly how they plan to fix this crisis.”

The election package zeroes in on the issues nurses face every day: safe nurse-patient ratios, safe hours of work, an end to mandatory overtime, permanent funding models for nurse practitioners, and fair treatment for new graduates.

“What parties say in response will shape both the election and the next round of collective bargaining,” Coffey added. “Our registered nurses and nurse practitioners are paying attention, and their voices carry weight at the ballot box.”

RNU will release all responses publicly and is encouraging media to press party leaders for detailed commitments.

RNU stressed that it is ready to work with any party that forms government, but nurses expect real progress and accountability.

“This election is about the future of our public healthcare system,” said Coffey. “Nurses are ready to do their part, and we expect political leaders to do the same.”

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About the Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland & Labrador

The Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland & Labrador (RNU) represents over 5,800 registered nurses and nurse practitioners working in acute care, long-term care, community, education, and research. The Union advocates for its members and the public healthcare system to improve access, quality, and sustainability of care in Newfoundland and Labrador.

For more information, please contact:

Jonathan Hamel
Director of Communications
Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland & Labrador
Phone: (709) 691-6890
Email: jhamel@rnunl.ca