Bylaws
CNNN's bylaws establish the governance and operating framework for the College of Nurses of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. They set out how the College is governed, how registrants are regulated, and how professional standards are maintained.
Current
2024 Approved Bylaws
These bylaws are in force effective September 25, 2024. They govern all aspects of the College’s operations, governance structures, registration, professional conduct, and membership across both the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
College of Nurses of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut — Bylaws
In force: September 25, 2024 · Last updated: September 26, 2024
- In Force
This document outlines the bylaws governing CNNN, effective as of September 25, 2024. It covers key definitions, corporate matters, governance structures, Board of Directors responsibilities, membership classes, nursing registers, registration processes, professional conduct, and the framework for enacting or amending bylaws.
Part 1
General Definitions
Part 2
Corporate Matters
Part 3
Governance & Board of Directors
Part 4
Committees
Part 5
Membership Classes & Registers
Part 6
Registration
Part 7
Branches (NWT & Nunavut)
Part 8
Continuing Competence
Part 9
Professional Conduct
Part 10 - 13
Meetings, Administration & Enactment
Key definitions used throughout the bylaws
The “Act” means the Nursing Profession Act, S.N.W.T., c. 2023. · The “Nunavut Act” means the Nursing Professions Act, S.Nu. 2023, c. 16. · “College” means the College of Nurses of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut (CNNN).
Previous Bylaws Remaining in Effect
Bylaw 21 — Dispensing, Compounding and Packaging Drugs
Some previous bylaws remain in effect during the transition to new legislation and while supporting policies are being developed. Bylaw 21 is one of these.
Bylaw 21 — Dispensing, Compounding and Packaging Drugs
Originally approved under the Registered Nurses Association of the NWT and Nunavut · Board approved: March 23, 2007 · Ratified by membership: May 8, 2008
- Remains in Effect
This bylaw establishes the conditions under which registered nurses may dispense, compound, or package drugs — including the requirement to act within employer policies and guidelines, on instruction from an authorized prescriber, or from a formulary of stocked drugs. It also sets out that nurses must act in the interest of patient care and must not derive personal monetary gain from these activities.
- In Effect
Employer-based policies and formularies apply
The policies, guidelines, and formularies that registered nurses use for dispensing, compounding, packaging, and administering drugs remain in effect under Bylaw 21.
RNs
NPs
- In Development
LPN and RPN policies pending Minister recommendation
Equivalent employer-based policies, guidelines, and formularies for LPNs and RPNs are still in development. The bylaws authorizing LPNs and RPNs to dispense, compound, package, and administer drugs are awaiting recommendation from the Minister.
LPNs
RPNs
Questions about your scope of practice?
Contact CNNN at info@cannn.ca or 1-867-688-8255.
Understanding the Bylaws
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about CNNN’s bylaws and how they apply to your practice.
What are bylaws and why do they matter to me as a nurse?
Bylaws are the rules that govern how CNNN operates as a regulatory body. They set out how the Board of Directors is structured, how you become and remain registered, how professional conduct is handled, and what rights and responsibilities you have as a registrant. They give effect to the Nursing Profession Act (NWT) and the Nursing Professions Act (Nunavut) at an operational level.
What's the difference between the bylaws and the Act?
The Acts — the Nursing Profession Act (NWT) and Nursing Professions Act (Nunavut) — are legislation passed by the territorial governments. They set out CNNN’s authority and the broad framework for nursing regulation. The bylaws sit underneath the Acts and fill in the operational details: how the Board meets, how committees are structured, what the registration process looks like, and so on. If there is ever a conflict, the Acts take precedence.
How are bylaws changed or updated?
The Board of Directors may propose new bylaws, amendments, or revocations. Before any vote, all registrants must receive notice at least 60 days in advance — by email, mail (where no email address is on file), and on the CNNN website. The notice period allows for public and nursing profession comments, which are considered before the Board votes. This process is set out in Part 12 of the 2024 Approved Bylaws.
Can I vote on bylaw changes?
Active registrant members who have been registered for at least six weeks are eligible to vote at General Meetings of the College. Bylaw changes are voted on by the Board of Directors, but members are notified in advance and can submit comments during the 60-day notice period. General Meetings are held at least once every 24 months and can be attended in person or virtually.
What does Bylaw 21 mean for my day-to-day practice?
If you are an RN, Bylaw 21 confirms that your existing employer policies, guidelines, and formularies for dispensing, compounding, packaging, and administering drugs remain in effect. You should continue to follow those employer policies. If you are an LPN or RPN, equivalent policies are still being developed — contact CNNN if you have questions about your current scope of practice in this area.
What is "unprofessional conduct" under the bylaws?
The 2024 bylaws define unprofessional conduct to include: practising nursing while knowing your capacity was impaired by a condition that could compromise patient health or safety; failing or refusing to cooperate with reasonable inquiries by or on behalf of CNNN; and contravening an undertaking given to CNNN. This definition applies for the purposes of both the NWT Act and the Nunavut Act. Additional conduct may also constitute unprofessional conduct under the Acts themselves.
Related
Related Resources
Other documents and pages that work alongside the bylaws to support your practice.
Nursing Profession Act (NWT)
The legislation that gives CNNN its regulatory authority in the Northwest Territories
Nursing Professions Act (Nunavut)
The legislation governing nursing regulation in Nunavut
Standards of Practice
Professional standards that guide nursing practice across all designations
Annual Reports
CNNN annual reports on College activities and regulatory outcomes
Professional Conduct
Information about CNNN's complaints and professional conduct process
Board of Directors
Meet the Board that governs the College on behalf of registrants and the public
