Honouring Transformative and Enduring Contributions to Nursing and Health
Overview
The Legacy of Excellence Award is one of CNA’s most distinguished honours, presented to an organization or association whose long-standing contributions have meaningfully transformed the nursing profession and the broader health landscape in Canada and beyond.
This award celebrates an organization or association that creates a lasting legacy through its leadership, advocacy, innovation, and service excellence — elevating nursing practice, advancing health equity, and strengthening health systems through sustained action and impact.
Eligibility and criteria
The Legacy of Excellence Award may be bestowed upon an organization, association, or institution that meets the following criteria:
- Enduring track record: Demonstrated history of meaningful contributions that align with the CNA vision, mission and values, and unites nurses to advance our profession, the health of Canadians, and a healthier environment and society.
- Impact and influence: Proven ability to effect change at the local, provincial, territorial, national or international level.
- Innovation and leadership: Demonstrated innovation, thought leadership, and advancement of nursing and health policy, best practices, and evidence-informed solutions.
- Equity and advocacy: Clear commitment to promoting health equity, inclusivity, and social justice, and advocating for actions that address truth and reconciliation.
- Engagement and collaboration: Strong connections to, and engagement with, nurses, patients, partners and communities over time.
Nomination requirements
All nominations must be submitted through the online system and include the following:
- Confirmation of eligibility, including:
- Consent from the organization to be nominated.
- Agreement that their nomination and potential award will be made public.
- Supporting documents, including:
- Three letters of support (500 words each) from three separate individuals or organizations (one may be from the nominator). Nominators must be CNA members.
- An organizational description (250 words) written for a public audience (e.g., website or event publication).
- Summary of accomplishments (500 words):
- A general overview of the organization’s impact, leadership, innovation, and track record, as well as evidence of each eligibility criteria.
- A demonstrated history of meaningful contributions that align with the CNA mission, vision, and values and unites nurses to advance our profession, the health of Canadians, and a healthier environment and society.
Nominations are assessed based solely on the information in the online form.
Learn more
For inquiries or to suggest a future nominee, please contact:
events@cna-aiic.ca