HALIFAX, Nova Scotia, June 4, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Two prominent nursing union leaders were named today as recipients of the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions' prestigious Bread & Roses Award for their outstanding contributions to policy and decision-making, raising public awareness, lobbying governments, and educating members and the public.
Janet Hazelton, President of Nova Scotia Nurses' Union, which is hosting CFNU's 17th Biennial Convention this week in Halifax, and Vicki McKenna, First Vice-President of the Ontario Nurses' Association, are the recipients of the 2013 and 2014 awards.
"Both these nurses offer an inspiring example to all nurse advocates," said CFNU President Linda Silas. "We will continue to rely on them for their leadership and insights as we confront the serious challenges facing Canada's health care system."
A union leader in Nova Scotia for more than 30 years, Hazelton is well known as a strong advocate for nurses working in acute, long-term and community care and as an articulate advocate for patients.
McKenna has been an ONA member for more than 30 years and a union activist for more than 20 years, with special responsibility in her elected role for political action and professional issues. She also practices as an RN in the day surgery unit of London Health Sciences Centre, working with adult and pediatric patients and their families.
The Bread & Roses Award is given each year to a nurse member of the CFNU for an outstanding contribution to policy and decision-making, and raising public awareness for nursing issues and patient advocacy.
The CFNU represents approximately 200,000 frontline nurses across Canada through its affiliated unions, which include NSNU and ONA.