While WeRPN appreciates the government’s efforts to recruit more nurses and invest in healthcare infrastructure, it remains essential to take further steps to address the retention of experienced nurses across the health system.
On March 20, 2026, WeRPN sent a letter to the Ontario government outlining concerns about recent changes to the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) and their impact on Practical Nurse (PN) students and the province’s healthcare workforce.
On Friday February 13, WeRPN sent a letter to the Ontario government congratulating them on the recent $30 million investment to expand the province’s primary care workforce, part of the broader $2.1 billion Primary Care Action Plan. In the letter, we emphasized the important role Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) can and should play as the province works toward connecting two million more Ontarians to primary care by 2029.
Ontario’s 65,000 Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) are a vital part of the province’s healthcare system. As the voice of the province’s RPNs, the Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario (WeRPN) is committed to working collaboratively with the government to develop evidence-based, sustainable solutions that strengthen and stabilize Ontario’s nursing workforce.
The Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario (WeRPN) is raising serious concerns about the passage of Alberta’s Bill 13, the Regulated Professions Neutrality Act. WeRPN believes this legislation will compromise the fundamental ability of nursing regulators to protect the public by ensuring that nurses meet the highest standards of competence and clinical practice.
We are thrilled to celebrate the outstanding achievements of the 2025 WeRPN Education Trust Fund (ETF) Bursary recipients! The ETF was created to provide financial support to practical nursing students, helping to alleviate some of the challenges they face during their academic journey. Each $1,000 bursary recognizes the dedication and commitment of these outstanding practical nursing students to the profession. WeRPN is proud to play a role in empowering students as they work toward their dreams.
The awards, jointly presented by the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO) and the Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario (WeRPN), celebrate the achievements and impact of Ontario nurses and their vital contributions to the health of our province.
This week WeRPN joined the Minister of Long-Term Care, the Honourable Natalia Kusendova-Bashta for a crucial announcement highlighting the Ontario government’s new investments to strengthen nursing in long-term care.
Since joining WeRPN in 2013, CEO Dianne Martin has been a dedicated advocate for Ontario’s Registered Practical Nurses, strengthening the organization’s voice and impact across the healthcare sector. At the 2025 Annual General Meeting, she announced her retirement effective May 31, 2026.
On August 6th, WeRPN CEO Dianne Martin was at Sheridan College’s Centre for Healthy Communities alongside members of government including Minister of Health Sylvia Jones and Minister of Long-Term Care Natalia Kusendova-Bashta for an announcement of $56.8 million in new funding to train an additional 2,200 nurses across the province, including Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs).
