Honouring Our Nurses: A JCAN Tribute for National Nursing Week

About National Nursing Week

National Nursing Week is a dedicated time to recognize the vital role nurses play in the health and well-being of Canadians. Nurses are the backbone of our healthcare system—delivering compassionate, skilled care in hospitals, homes, and communities across the country. This week invites the public, policymakers, and government leaders to reflect on the profound contributions of the nursing profession.

The celebration aligns with International Nurses Day on May 12, first established by the International Council of Nurses in 1971. In Canada, thanks to the advocacy of the Canadian Nurses Association, the second week of May was officially proclaimed as National Nurses Week by the federal Minister of Health in 1985. In 1993, the name was changed to National Nursing Week to honour the profession in its entirety—as a discipline and a calling.

For more information, visit the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing’s Nursing Week page.

A JCAN Reflection

At JCAN, National Nursing Week holds special meaning. Our organization was founded by Jamaican-born nurses who saw gaps in care and built bridges where systems fell short. Their pioneering spirit laid the foundation for what JCAN has become today: a strong, growing coalition committed to health equity and wellness for Black communities and beyond.

In 2024, we officially transitioned from the Jamaican Canadian Association of Nurses to JCAN – Joint Coalition Addressing Needs, a reflection of our expanded reach and inclusive mission. Today, we are proud to welcome members from more than 14 islands and countries across the African and Caribbean diasporas.

Our retired nurse members remain active leaders in our programming, mentoring youth, shaping community health initiatives, and ensuring that the legacy of nursing excellence is passed on to future generations.

Special Recognition in 2025

The Honourable Dr. Raymond Cho, Minister of Seniors and Accessibility and MPP for Scarborough North Celebrates nursing week with JCAN members of Social Connect.

This Nursing Week, JCAN was deeply honoured to receive a formal recognition from the Honourable Dr. Raymond Cho, Minister of Seniors and Accessibility and MPP for Scarborough North, who visited JCAN’s Social Connect to celebrate the occasion. Minister Cho acknowledged the extraordinary contributions of nurses, particularly those in the Black and Caribbean communities, and commended JCAN for its work in empowering seniors and promoting culturally responsive care.

The visit was a powerful moment of affirmation, reminding us that when nurses lead, communities thrive.

With Gratitude

To all nurses, past, present, and future, we see you, we honour you, and we thank you. Your resilience, compassion, and expertise make a lasting difference every single day.

Happy National Nursing Week from all of us at JCAN.