Dear fellow nurses, patients, and concerned citizens,

I am Jess, a registered practical nurse with a decade of experience, and like thousands of others in our profession, I am facing a systemic issue that not only affects our daily lives but also our overall well-being. It is a situation that is deeply unjust, and it demands our attention. I’m speaking out on behalf of the dedicated nurses across Ontario who are bearing the burden of excessive, ill-timed fees imposed by the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO).

The Timing Issue: Why November and December?

Every year, we are required to pay our CNO registration fees in November or December – a time that is already financially challenging for many. Between the added costs of holiday expenses, gifts, travel, and the stress of year-end bills, the timing of these fees only adds to the strain. The holidays should be a time for rest and reflection, not a period of financial panic. And if you happen to miss the deadline you’re slapped with a large fee.

By moving the due date to spring/summer, the College would allow nurses to better manage these costs during a less financially burdensome part of the year. This adjustment would create significant relief for thousands of hardworking professionals who are already stretched thin due to the pressures of their demanding roles.

The Issue of Growing Fees: A Burden Without Justification

In addition to the poor timing, there is a pressing concern about the continuous increase in registration fees. These fees seem to rise year after year, often without clear justification or a transparent explanation from the College. Nurses across Ontario are left to wonder: where is this money going? And why are the fees growing disproportionately?

More troubling is the fact that all nurses—regardless of their role or income—are required to pay the same fee. Registered Nurses (RNs), Nurse Practitioners (NPs), and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) all face the same financial burden, despite the stark differences in our salaries.

According to the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions (CFNU), in 2016, the average salary for a Registered Nurse in Canada was $78,546. By contrast, a Licensed Practical Nurse earned 35% less, with an average salary of $51,113. That disparity has likely grown in recent years. And yet, despite these vast differences in income, the College of Nurses continues to charge all nurses the same registration fees.

This policy is inherently unfair and does not take into account the financial realities faced by nurses in different roles. It is a glaring example of systemic inequality within our profession, where those with lower salaries are expected to pay the same amount as those with higher earning potential.

A Call for Fairness: What We Demand

We, the nurses of Ontario, are calling for two key changes that will ease the financial burden on us all:

Move the Fee Payment Due Date to June: This simple change would alleviate the strain caused by the timing of these payments during an already stressful and expensive holiday season.
Implement a Tiered Payment System: Introduce a fee structure that reflects the differences in income levels across the various categories of nurses. This would ensure that those with lower salaries are not forced to carry the same financial burden as those with higher earnings.
These changes are not just about relieving financial stress—they are about recognizing the value of all nurses and creating a fair and just system. Nurses are among the hardest-working professionals in Ontario. We dedicate our lives to caring for others, often at great personal cost. It is time for the College of Nurses to show us the respect we deserve by adjusting its policies to reflect the financial realities we face.

Why This Matters

Nurses in Ontario are facing unprecedented challenges. From understaffing and burnout to the pressures of delivering care under difficult conditions, we are working in a system that often demands more than we can give. The financial burdens placed on us by the College only add to the stress and hardship we already face. It the fees keep rising year by year they’ll be over 1000.00 in no time.

A tiered payment system based on income and a move to a spring or summer deadline would be a step toward recognizing and rectifying the systemic unfairness that currently exists. It would demonstrate that the College of Nurses understands the financial difficulties faced by nurses, particularly those with lower salaries, and is committed to making the profession more sustainable for everyone.

How You Can Help

We need your support to make this change happen. Please join us in calling for fairness by signing the petition to the College of Nurses of Ontario. Stand with nurses across Ontario as we demand a system that reflects the realities of our profession, a system that values all nurses, no matter their income or role.

This is not just about fees—this is about fairness, respect, and the future of nursing in Ontario.

Sign the petition today and help us bring about the change that we so desperately need.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,
Jess, and the nurses of Ontario