https://www.infirmiere-canadienne.com/blogs/ic-contenu/2025/04/24/partie-2-de-3-sylvain-brousseau-candidature-cii
Part 2 of 3: Sylvain Brousseau answers our questions on his ICN bid
Isabelle Michaud
“My extensive experience in nursing leadership, governance, strategic planning, and global advocacy — combined with my commitment to mentoring and professional development — positions me well to contribute effectively to ICN and advance its mission of representing and empowering nurses worldwide,” Sylvain Brousseau says
Editor’s note: Former CNA president Sylvain Brousseau is a candidate for the North America and Caribbean seat on the board of directors of the International Council of Nurses (ICN). We sent him a series of questions to learn more about his vision for ICN and global health. Visit ICN’s website to learn more about his candidacy and watch his video.
One of the key strengths I would bring to the International Council of Nurses (ICN) position is my extensive expertise in nursing governance, finance and policies. My tenure as president of CNA has provided me with a deep understanding of the strategic planning, governance, and advocacy that are critical to leading an international organization such as ICN.
In my key roles (board of directors, president-elect, and president) within CNA, I successfully led the implementation of a new governance structure and bylaws, enhanced the organization’s strategic planning, and co-hosted the ICN Congress in Montreal (2023) in collaboration with the CEO and other board and committee members. In addition, in collaboration with two other colleagues who are full professor in two universities in Quebec, I was able to obtain a research grant of $10,000 from Quebec Research Health Funds to help sustain the congress. With this grant, and the collaboration of six Canadian Indigenous research chairs, which jointly contributed up to an equal amount, the event was able to financially support 10 Indigenous nursing students to attend the conference in Montreal.
These multiple experiences honed my ability to navigate complex organizational dynamics and drive meaningful change. My various roles at CNA included chairing high-level committees, such as the executive recruitment committee, where I demonstrated strong leadership orientation and decision-making skills.
Furthermore, my extensive experience representing CNA on national and international platforms has given me a deep understanding of the global nursing landscape. I have interacted with both levels of government (provincial/territorial and federal), policy-makers, and nursing professionals around the world to advocate for the nursing profession and influence health policies. This global perspective is essential to fostering collaboration and addressing the challenges facing nurses worldwide.
Together, my commitment to mentoring future nursing leaders and my involvement in various educational and professional development initiatives underscore my dedication to advancing the nursing profession. In 2014, in collaboration with my colleagues, I co-founded and was the first president of a new major political nursing organization in Quebec; more recently, I have led initiatives that promote the humanization of health care and the integration of humanistic values into nursing practice.
In summary, my extensive experience in nursing leadership, governance, strategic planning, and global advocacy — combined with my commitment to mentoring and professional development — positions me well to contribute effectively to ICN and advance its mission of representing and empowering nurses worldwide.
What do you see as the biggest opportunity for better collaboration between ICN and national nursing associations worldwide?
The greatest opportunity for better collaboration between ICN and national nursing associations (NNAs) worldwide lies in increasing the use of digital platforms and technology to improve communication, knowledge sharing, and joint initiatives. I believe this can occur alongside the ethical use of AI so that my nursing colleagues worldwide can accelerate and optimize their actions and interactions. By creating a robust digital infrastructure, ICN can facilitate real-time collaboration and information sharing among NNAs, enabling them to contribute in promoting and developing innovative solutions and research results more efficiently.
A key focus area should be the development of a centralized online portal where NNAs can access resources, participate in virtual conferences, and engage in collaborative projects. This portal could host webinars, discussion forums, and online training programs, providing a space for continuing professional development and fostering a sense of global community among nurses. Moreover, I strongly believe that ICN can play a pivotal role in coordinating global advocacy efforts by aligning the priorities of NNAs and amplifying their collective voice internationally. By working together on campaigns and policy initiatives, NNAs can address common challenges such as workforce shortages, professional recognition, and access to health care, ultimately strengthening the nursing profession worldwide.
In addition, ICN can facilitate partnerships between NNAs and other international organizations (such as the World Health Organization, TruMerit etc.), governments, and academic institutions to promote nursing research, education and innovation. These collaborations can lead to the development of evidence-based practices and policies that improve patient care and contribute to an even better strategic positioning of the profession in all areas of nursing practice. There are many potential areas for such international collaboration including licensure, labour mobility, scope of practice, education and simulation trainings. I also trust that this worldwide unification of NNAs will also emphasize planetary health, the social determinants of health, and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), in these times where it’s needed more than ever before.
Sylvain Brousseau, PhD, RN, FFNMRCSI, FAAN, is the former president of the Canadian Nurses Association and member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. The ICN board election will occur at the ICN Congress in June 2025.
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