Supporting IENs and Strengthening Nursing in Manitoba
Pictured: President Jacob Ahiaegbe, ARNM Board Director Pamela Scheveck, ARNM member Abigail Kawadza, Honourable Uzoma Asagwara, Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care, Executive Director Joyce Kristjansson, Carla Compton, RN, BScN (she/her) MLA Tuxedo, Premier's Advisor on Nursing Culture & Safety, Co-chair Health Advisory Table, and President-Elect Katrin Param – Vital. |
On June 26, 2025, representatives from the Association of Regulated Nurses of Manitoba (ARNM) met with the Honourable Uzoma Asagwara, Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care, and Carla Compton, the Premier’s Advisor on Nursing Culture & Safety and Co-chair of the Health Advisory Table, to continue their ongoing dialogue on nursing priorities in the province.
President Jacob Ahiaegbe, President-Elect Katrin Param–Vital, along with ARNM Board Director Pamela Scheveck, member Abigail Kawadza, and Executive Director Joyce Kristjansson engaged in a focused and productive discussion with the Minister.
The conversation centred on supporting the nursing profession in Manitoba, including support for internationally educated nurses (IENs), with ARNM highlighting the need for an equitable and efficient approach that recognizes experience and removes unnecessary barriers to practice.
The group also discussed ways to improve communication with nurses across the province, following up on a request made by the Minister at the May 12 meeting, as well as the importance of continued work on anti-racism within Manitoba’s health system.
“We’re pleased with the progress being made and the growing relationship between ARNM and the Government of Manitoba,” said President Jacob Ahiaegbe. “These kinds of conversations are essential if we want to move forward with real, practical solutions. Nurses need to be at the table—and that’s exactly where we were.”
“Having a seat at the table is refreshing,” said Pamela Scheveck, ARNM Board Director. “It’s encouraging to see the government not only invite these conversations but also express interest in national events like CNA’s upcoming Anti-Indigenous Racism event. That kind of engagement builds real momentum on issues that matter. I fully support President Ahiaegbe’s comments—these ongoing conversations are critical, and I’m proud to have contributed to them.”
As part of this ongoing commitment, ARNM is also hosting a virtual forum for Internationally Educated Nurses on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, from 8:00–9:00 p.m. CT. The event will provide IENs with a platform to share their experiences, identify persistent barriers, and help inform ARNM’s advocacy for clearer, more supportive pathways to practice.
ARNM will continue to advocate for systems and policies that support nurses in every role and stage of practice, ensuring their voices help shape a stronger, more equitable future for health care in Manitoba. All nurses across the province are invited to join ARNM and be part of the important advocacy for the profession and for the health of Manitobans.