2026 election timeline
- Call for nominations
April 6 – May 3, 2026
- Nominee verification
April 20 – May 13, 2026
- Advance voting period
May 14 – June 3, 2026
- Vote verification and certification of results
June 4 – June 10, 2026
- Preparation of slate of officers
June 10 – June 15, 2026
- Annual meeting of members
June 18, 2026
Overview
The Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) conducts board elections in accordance with its by-laws and the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act.
Board elections are conducted through a secure advance electronic voting process, ensuring accessibility for members across Canada.
The annual meeting of members is held to:
- Confirm quorum
- Share organizational updates
- Announce certified election results
- Vote for approval of the slate of officers and directors
Members vote in advance to elect candidates from the proposed nominee list by open positions. No voting takes place during the meeting.
Positions open for election
The 2026 election includes the following positions:
Eligibility requirements
All candidates must:
- Be a CNA member or affiliate in good standing
- Meet eligibility requirements outlined in CNA by-laws and board policy
- Be able to participate in board meetings (virtual and in-person)
- Be at least 18 years old
- Not have been declared incapable by a court
- Not have the status of bankrupt
The following individuals are not eligible:
- Current CNA employees or contractors, and their immediate family members
Nomination requirements
A complete nomination package must include:
- Completed nomination form
- Statement of philosophy
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- High-resolution colour photo
- Three letters of support from CNA members
- Confirmation of CNA membership
Nominations process
The nominating committee will:
- Issue the call for nominations
- Review all submissions to confirm eligibility and completeness
- Verify nominees during the verification period
- Prepare and confirm the slate of candidates
Once finalized, candidate information will be shared with members in advance of the voting period.
Candidate information
Candidate profiles will be published on the CNA website and may include:
- Photograph
- Statement of philosophy
- Professional and leadership background
- Optional campaign video
Candidates may also share information through appropriate communication channels in a professional and equitable manner.
Election process
The election of directors is conducted through a secure advance electronic voting process.
- Voting takes place May 14 – June 3, 2026
- Eligible members will receive voting instructions by email
- Voting is confidential and verifiable
- Each eligible member is entitled to vote
Members vote in advance to elect candidates from the proposed nominee list by open position. No voting takes place at the annual meeting of members.
Annual meeting of members
The annual meeting of members will take place on June 18, 2026.
The meeting will:
- Confirm quorum
- Provide updates on CNA activities and priorities
- Announce certified election results
- Allow for the vote to approve the slate of elected officers and directors
The meeting will be held virtually or in a hybrid format.
Time commitment and key dates
Candidates must be available to participate in key activities throughout the election process and, if elected, during their term on the board.
Election process commitments
- Availability prior to (May 7-13, 2026) and during the advance voting period (May 14 – June 3, 2026) for potential member engagement
If elected
Successful candidates will be expected to:
- Attend onboarding and strategic planning activities (anticipated August 2026)
- Attend CNA’s national conference, September 21–23, 2026, Winnipeg, Manitoba
- Participate in board and committee meetings (virtual and in-person as required)
Ongoing commitment
Board members are expected to:
- Come prepared to actively participate in 3-4 virtual and 1-2 in-person board meetings per year, as well as potential ad hoc meetings
- For each committee you are a member, come prepared to actively participate in 3-5 virtual committee meetings and complete committee work
- Contribute actively to governance and decision-making