Legacy of Excellence Award

Legacy of Excellence Award

Honouring Transformative and Enduring Contributions to Nursing and Health

Overview

The Legacy of Excellence Award is one of the Canadian Nurses Association’s most distinguished honours, presented to an organization or association whose long-standing contributions have meaningfully transformed the nursing profession and the broader health landscape in Canada and beyond.

This award celebrates an organization or association creates a lasting legacy through its leadership, advocacy, innovation, and service excellence — elevating nursing practice, advancing health equity, and strengthening health systems through sustained action and impact.

Eligibility & Criteria

The Legacy of Excellence Award may be bestowed upon an organization, association, or institution that meets the following criteria:

  • Enduring Track Record: Demonstrated history of meaningful contributions that align with the CNA vision, mission and values and unites nurses to advance our profession, the health of Canadians, and a healthier environment and society.
  • Impact & Influence: Proven ability to effect change at the local, provincial, territorial, national or international level.
  • Innovation & Leadership: Demonstrated innovation, thought leadership, and advancement of nursing and health policy, best practices, and evidence-informed solutions.
  • Equity & Advocacy: Clear commitment to promoting health equity, inclusivity, and social justice and advocating for actions that address Truth and Reconciliation.
  • Engagement & Collaboration: Strong connections to and engagement with nurses, patients, partners, and communities over time.

Note: This award is not offered annually. The CNA Board of Directors may confer it by resolution or invite nominations as appropriate.

Learn More

For inquiries or to suggest a future nominee, please contact:
events@cna-aiic.ca


2025 Recipient:

Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO)
In recognition of decades of leadership and impact in advancing our profession, the health of Canadians, and a healthier environment and society.

The CNA Board of Directors unanimously selected RNAO in 2025 for its far-reaching and ongoing influence, including:

  • Bold and effective nursing leadership across all roles and sectors
  • Creation and global dissemination of evidence-based practice tools (e.g., Best Practice Guidelines, BPSO® Program)
  • Relentless advocacy for social justice, health equity, and progressive policy
  • Leadership in education, regulation, and scope of practice advancements
  • Deep and sustained member engagement representing more than 54,000 nurses and nursing students

From championing nurse prescribing and primary care reform, to climate justice, anti-racism, and nursing workforce modernization, RNAO exemplifies the kind of legacy this award seeks to recognize.