Our transition to a single-mandate regulator
Our continued commitment to public protection
A Voice for Northern Nurses
The College of Nurses of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut became a single-mandate regulator on April 1, 2026.
This means the College has transitioned to focus solely on our public protection role, regulating Licensed Practical Nurses, Registered Nurses, Registered Psychiatric Nurses, and Nurse Practitioners in the Northwest Territories (NWT) and Nunavut (NU).
The Northwest Territories and Nunavut Association of Nurses (NTNAN) is the independent association focused on advocacy and advancing the nursing profession across the North.
This transition was initiated voluntarily by the College based on feedback from nurses. It separates public protection from professional advocacy, clarifies respective roles, and aligns with how nursing regulation is structured in many jurisdictions across Canada.
What's Changed
- The College has transitioned to focus only on its regulatory role
- The College no longer carries out professional advocacy or association functions
- Professional advocacy is led by the Northwest Territories and Nunavut Association of Nurses (NTNAN).
What hasn't changed
- The College continues to register and regulate nurses in NWT and NU
- Standards of practice, quality assurance, complaints, and discipline processes remain the same
- Nurses’ professional responsibilities and scope of practice do not change.
- Employer reporting obligations remain the same
- Members of the public can continue to contact the College with concerns about nursing care or professional conduct
Role of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut Association of Nurses
The Northwest Territories and Nunavut Association of Nurses (NTNAN) is the professional association created to advocate for and support nurses in the North.
NTNAN’s role is to:
- Advocate for the nursing profession
- Support professional development and leadership
- Foster connection, mentorship, and engagement
- Represent nurses’ interests
NTNAN membership
To support a smooth transition, NTNAN membership is automatically included with your registration with the College from 2026 to 2028.
After 2028, NTNAN membership is voluntary and available directly through the association.
NTNAN membership is separate from nursing licensure and does not affect registration or regulatory requirements.
What this means for you
For the public
The College’s role is now focused solely on protecting the public in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
If you have concerns about nursing care, want to verify a nurse’s registration, or need information about professional standards, we’re the organization responsible for reviewing and addressing those matters.
Any nurse providing care in the Northwest Territories or Nunavut must be registered with the College and meet clear standards for safe and professional practice.
For nurses and applicants
The College remains your point of contact for applying for or renewing your nursing licence, meeting Quality Assurance Program requirements, seeking guidance on scope of practice and code of conduct, and understanding your responsibilities as a regulated professional.
NTNAN is your point of contact for professional advocacy, leadership development, education, and opportunities for connection within the nursing profession.
For employers
Employers must continue to report concerns about unprofessional conduct to the College. We review these reports and assess potential risks in the public interest to protect patients and communities across the NWT and NU.
Timeline of Key Milestones
- January 1, 2026
- Transition period began
- April 1, 2026
- CNNN officially became a single-mandate regulator
- 2026 - 2028
- NTNAN membership automatically included with your registration with CNNN
- After 2028
- NTNAN membership becomes voluntary
Contact & Support
Questions?
Email us at: info@cannn.ca
Call us at: (867) 688-8255
Current Job Postings
Visit: https://cannn.ca/careers for current postings
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did CNNN transition to a single-mandate regulator?
This change separates public protection from professional advocacy, making roles clearer and helping the public understand who is responsible for what. It also aligns with how nursing regulation is structured in many other parts of Canada. This shift was initiated voluntarily by the College in response to feedback from nurses and reflects leading practices across the country.
Has CNNN's name changed?
The College’s name now reflects its single-mandate role. While the name has evolved, our regulatory responsibilities remain the same.
Does this affect my nursing licence?
No. Your licence, renewal process, and regulatory responsibilities remain the same.
From 2026 to 2028, NTNAN membership will be automatically included with your registration with the College.
