ONA President Linda Haslam-Stroud to Serve a Record Sixth Term: Front-Line Nurses Choose President, First Vice-President

TORONTO, Sept. 5, 2013 /CNW/ - Passionate health care advocate, political activist and Hamilton renal transplant nurse Linda Haslam-Stroud, RN, has been acclaimed to serve a record sixth two-year term as Ontario Nurses' Association (ONA) President.

Haslam-Stroud will lead the country's largest nurses' union as members continue to be confronted with nursing cuts, attacks on unions and another round of health care changes.

"I am incredibly honoured to hold the position of ONA President," said Haslam-Stroud. "I have always believed that excellence is the result of caring more than others believe is wise, risking more than others think is safe and expecting more than others think is possible. Our 60,000 registered nurses and allied health professionals, as well as more than 14,000 nursing student affiliates, have my commitment to advocate for them and our patients, clients and residents."

Haslam-Stroud became an ONA leader 34 years ago. She held positions at the Local and Bargaining Unit levels before advancing to lead the union at the provincial level in 2004. She is known to both members and those she encounters in her work as a knowledgeable and tireless leader.

First Vice-President Vicki McKenna to Serve Fifth Consecutive Term

Acclaimed to serve a fifth consecutive term as First Vice-President of ONA is Vicki McKenna, RN.

An adult and pediatric day surgery nurse from London Health Sciences Centre, McKenna has been an active ONA member for 33 years. She brings a wealth of front line experience as a registered nurse to the portfolio of political action and professional issues for ONA. McKenna strongly believes that the voice of front-line nurses, and ONA as their representative, is invaluable to policy makers.

"ONA is the leading voice for nurses with the government and other professional organizations," she says. "Our members are on the front lines of health care and I believe their knowledge and skills continue to be invaluable to Ontarians. Research continues to show the value of RNs to positive patient outcomes," she adds. "The value of RNs is something that cannot be underestimated, and I'm committed to ensuring that it is recognized."

ONA Chief Executive Officer/Chief Administrative Officer Michael Balagus expressed his support for both Haslam-Stroud and McKenna.

"Linda and Vicki clearly have the strong support of the membership, the board and staff as they continue to work tirelessly on behalf of members and the patients who rely on the quality care they provide," he said.

ONA is the union representing 60,000 front-line RNs and allied health professionals and more than 14,000 nursing student affiliates providing care in Ontario hospitals, long-term care facilities, public health, the community, industry and clinics.

SOURCE: Ontario Nurses' Association

Ontario Nurses' Association

Sheree Bond   [phone], ext. 2430 Cellular: [phone]