Linda Haslam-Stroud, RN Re-elected Ontario Nurses' Association President

TORONTO, Nov. 3, 2015 /CNW/ - Members of the Ontario Nurses' Association (ONA) have re-elected Linda Haslam-Stroud, RN as their President.

Haslam-Stroud will serve a seventh consecutive two-year term representing 60,000 registered nurses and allied health professionals as well as more than 14,000 nursing student affiliates. Haslam-Stroud is a passionate health-care advocate and political activist. Linda is a renal transplant nurse from Hamilton and has been active in ONA for 36 years, holding positions at the Local and Bargaining Unit levels before running as Provincial President in 2004.

"I am deeply honoured to have been trusted by our front-line members to represent them during this time of upheaval and change in the health-care system," said Haslam-Stroud. "As ONA's President, I have committed to continuing our advocacy efforts on many fronts, including ending the RN cuts that are hurting our patients, ending workplace violence that is injuring our members, and ensuring that Ontario residents have access to the best quality health-care possible. Nurses know what's happening on the front lines and I will do my best to ensure their voices are heard."

Vicki McKenna, RN, Re-elected ONA First Vice-President
ONA's First Vice-President was also re-elected by ONA members. Vicki McKenna, RN will serve a sixth consecutive two-year term.

A 35-year veteran ONA leader, McKenna is also an adult and pediatric day surgery nurse from London, Ontario. In her role as First VP, McKenna is responsible for the political action and professional practice portfolios.

"I believe the knowledge and skills of registered nurses and allied health professionals in Ontario continue to be invaluable to the health-care system and to our patients," she said. "The knowledge of front-line nurses is something we must not ignore if we are to ensure that our patients receive the best care possible. I am privileged and honoured to have the tremendous support of ONA members, to take their voices forward to be heard at the tables of government officials, employers and the public. The RN cuts must stop - nurses know!"

ONA Chief Executive Officer/Chief Administrative Officer Marie Kelly congratulates both Haslam-Stroud and McKenna and notes that the two "have the clear and strong support of the membership. Our members will be well represented by these two tireless leaders."

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

Visit us at: www.ona.org; www.Facebook.com/OntarioNurses; www.Twitter.com/OntarioNurses

SOURCE Ontario Nurses' Association

Image with caption: "Linda Haslam-Stroud, RN (CNW Group/Ontario Nurses' Association)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20151103_C4926_PHOTO_EN_535498.jpg

Image with caption: "Vicki McKenna, RN (CNW Group/Ontario Nurses' Association)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20151103_C4926_PHOTO_EN_535500.jpg

Ontario Nurses' Association: Sheree Bond, [phone], ext. 2430; cell: [phone]; [email protected]; Melanie Levenson, [phone], ext. 2369; [email protected]