Home / Health / Manitoba Nurses Apologize for Systemic Discrimination
Manitoba Nurses Apologize for Systemic Discrimination
14 May
Summary
- Manitoba nursing college formally apologizes for systemic discrimination.
- College failed to act against harms experienced by Indigenous people.
- New reconciliation plan and Indigenous advisory group formed.
The College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba has formally apologized to Indigenous people for its contribution to systemic discrimination within the healthcare system. CEO Deb Elias expressed profound sorrow for the college's role in perpetuating harms experienced by First Nations, Inuit, and Métis.
Elias acknowledged that colonization and prejudice continue to negatively affect Indigenous health outcomes. She admitted the regulatory body had not acted effectively or swiftly enough to mitigate these harms.
This apology follows similar statements from other Canadian nursing and healthcare organizations in recent years. These include apologies from regulatory colleges in British Columbia in May 2021, the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing in 2023, and the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions in 2025.
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba also offered an apology in 2023 for its past failures to address Indigenous-specific racism. The College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba is implementing a reconciliation plan by the end of this year, supported by an Indigenous advisory group formed last fall.
