September 24, 2025
The College of Nurses of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut (CANNN) is issuing this advisory to provide clarity regarding recent public statements.
In remarks made to the Standing Committee on Government Operations, it was suggested that CANNN is attempting to become a bargaining agent for nurses. We want to be clear: this is not the case. CANNN has consistently affirmed that we will not pursue collective bargaining, as doing so would create a conflict of interest with our role as regulator.
Our role is, and always will be, to protect the public through the regulation of nursing practice. While we have shared survey findings to reflect the voices of nurses who sought our involvement, we have no role in unionization or collective bargaining.
Looking ahead, in early 2026, a new professional association, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut Association of Nurses (NTNAN), will launch as a separate and independent organization.
- CANNN will continue its sole mandate as regulator.
- NTNAN will serve as a dedicated professional association and advocate for nurses.
These changes strengthen our mandate and ensure clarity between the roles of regulator and association moving forward.
Read the full Public Advisory here: https://cannn.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Public-Advisory-Collective-Bargaining.pdf
