For the last 2 years, the leadership of Canadian nursing unions and associations have been ineffective in opposing the live-streamed genocide in Palestine. Nurses have an ethical and professional obligation to speak up when witnessing blatant violations of human rights and we expect the same of our organizations and their leadership. Human rights of the Palestinian people have been violated repeatedly during this genocide. Canadian nurses expect more of our unions and associations leadership.

Failing to act renders us complicit and undermines our professional duty to provide safe, and compassionate care. The Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) and International Council of Nurses (ICN) codes of ethics compel nurses to actively work against genocide and alleviate suffering globally (CNA, 2017; ICN, 2021). The ICN specifically calls on nurses to collaborate with health and social professionals to uphold human rights, equity, and global health (ICN, 2021).

Demand Canadian nurses unions and associations show solidarity with Palestinians, nurses included, and actively oppose the ongoing genocide!