About Us
The Northwest Territories Registered Nurses Association (NWTRNA) was established in 1975 by the Nursing Profession Act as the regulatory and professional body for registered nurses in the Northwest Territories (NT). In 1999, NWTRNA became the regulatory body and professional association for both the Northwest Territories and Nunavut (NU). Effective January 1, 2004, with new legislation the Northwest Territories Registered Nurses Association changed its name to the Registered Nurses Association of Northwest Territories and Nunavut (RNANT/NU).
In 2023, the Acts underwent revision, resulting in the introduction of two new Nursing Profession Acts: the Nursing Profession Act of NWT (Bill 77) and the Nursing Professions Act of Nunavut (Bill 23). Consequently, the College now registers nurses in all four categories: Licensed Practical Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, Registered Nurses, and Registered Psychiatric Nurses.
With these new Acts, our name has changed to reflect the dual mandate we work under. We are the College and Association of Nurses of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut (CANNN).
The regulatory functions of CANNN per the Nursing Profession Acts (NPA) serve to protect the public and include:
- Member Registration;
- Professional Conduct Review; and
- Approval of Education Programs.
As a professional association, CANNN strives to enhance the role of registered nurses and nurse practitioners through professional advocacy and promotion.
CANNN is governed by a Board of Directors as mandated in the Nursing Professions Acts. The Board of Directors consists of 12 members; 10 elected registered nurses and two public representatives appointed by the Minister of Health and Social Services in the NT and the Minister of Health in NU. The daily operations of CANNN are performed by CANNN employees. In addition, CANNN employees work with several CANNN committees composed of volunteer CANNN members and public representatives to perform both regulatory and professional advocacy roles.
Our Mandate pertains to the development, implementation and dissemination of policies aimed at safeguarding the welfare of the public while simultaneously advocating for the interests of nurses through strategic member engagement, effective leadership, and pertinence to the prevailing industry trends. This mandate seeks to establish a robust framework for protecting the public by ensuring that policies are in place and enforced to mitigate any risks or threats to their well-being. Furthermore, it aims to foster a culture of inclusivity and support for nurses by providing them with the necessary advocacy and leadership to succeed in their roles. Overall, this mandate seeks to promote a sustainable and thriving nursing profession that upholds the highest standards of quality, safety and professionalism.
Our Mission is safeguarding the welfare of the public through the promotion and maintenance of high nursing standards, as well as advocating for the interests of our members through a range of consultative, educational and community-building activities. This mission seeks to establish a strong foundation for protecting the public by ensuring that nursing standards are consistently upheld, and by fostering a culture of continuous learning and development among our members. Additionally, it aims to provide a platform for consultation and engagement, allowing our members to share their experiences and insights, while also building a supportive community that prioritizes collaboration and inclusivity. Through these efforts, we aspire to create a sustainable and thriving nursing profession that delivers the highest quality care and upholds the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.
Our vision aspires to establish a culture of excellence in the nursing profession across the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. This vision seeks to elevate the standards of nursing practice by promoting a mindset of continuous learning and improvement, while also fostering a sense of pride and dedication among nursing professionals. Through this vision, we aim to establish the Northwest Territories and Nunavut as a beacon of excellence in nursing, renowned for the quality of care, professionalism and innovation of our nurses. We strive to achieve this by providing our nurses with access to the latest resources and training, and by empowering them to take ownership of their professional development. Additionally, we aim to work collaboratively with our partners and stakeholders to identify and address any challenges or barriers that may impede the delivery of high-quality nursing care. Ultimately, this vision seeks to create a sustainable and thriving nursing profession that is well-equipped to meet the evolving.
The College and Association of Nurses of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut operates in adherence to a set of guiding principles that underpin our actions and decision-making processes. These principles comprise of integrity, accountability, collaboration, inclusion, and transparency.
- Integrity is a core value that we hold in high esteem, and it is reflected in our commitment to upholding ethical standards and promoting honesty, fairness, and respect in all our endeavors. We believe that by operating with integrity, we can build trust and credibility with our members, stakeholders, and the public at large.
Accountability is another crucial principle that guides our operations. We recognize that as an organization, we are accountable to our members and the public, and we strive to ensure that our actions and decisions are always in alignment with our values and objectives. We are committed to maintaining transparency in our operations and decision-making processes, and we are always open to feedback and constructive criticism.
- Collaboration is an essential element of our organizational culture, and we place a strong emphasis on teamwork, cooperation, and partnership. We recognize that by working collaboratively with our members, stakeholders, and other organizations, we can achieve more significant impact and better outcomes.
- Inclusion is a fundamental principle that guides our actions, and we are committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusivity in all our endeavors. We strive to ensure that our organization is welcoming and supportive of all members, regardless of their background, culture, or identity.
- Transparency is a final principle that we uphold, and we are committed to maintaining open and transparent communication with our members, stakeholders, and the public. We recognize that transparency is essential for building trust and credibility, and we aim to ensure that all our activities are conducted with transparency and accountability.