Dear colleagues,
I am delighted to bring you this update from the June CRNS Council meeting that took place last week.
We began the meeting with Knowledge Keeper and Cultural Advisor, Judy Pelly, blessing the day and opening with a prayer to help guide our decision-making processes. From there, Council received an update from the Nominations Committee regarding the recruitment, application and interview process for new members.
The following new Council members were recommended and appointed:
- Natalie Thiessen, RN for her second 3-year term;
- Katherine Bergman, Public Representative for a 3-year term; and,
- Arlene Kuntz, Public Representative for a 3-year term.
A new Council Chair, Natalie Thiessen, was also selected following an expression of interest and recruitment process. Congratulations to our new Council members and Chair! Many thanks to those members that have served on Council for the past several years. It has been a pleasure working alongside each of you. Thank you for your time and dedication to enhancing the work of the CRNS.
New Council Chair, Natalie Thiessen, June 2025.
Next, Council received Committee reports from Audit & Finance, Legislation & Bylaws and Governance & HR. As we continue to refine our governance approach, our policy work continues to evolve. We heard updates on the revamped Council orientation process.
Council and CRNS staff at the June 2025 council meeting.
We also heard progress on initiatives within the CRNS Strategic Plan from Executive Director & Registrar, Cindy Smith and the leadership team. A Council oversight map was presented, as well as a chart that depicted CRNS partner organizations and how we engage with each of them. Council always appreciates these operational updates and is pleased with the dedication and hard work of the CRNS staff.
Moni Snell, CRNS Council Chair, June 2025
Annually, Council completes a self-evaluation using a tool called the Governance Practice Assessment (GPA). The GPA was created to assess the effectiveness of governance aspects of a regulatory body that Council has control over.
As part of the evaluation process, Bradley Chisholm, Principal and Founder of The Regulator’s Practice, facilitated a discussion regarding the results of the assessment where Council determined potential actions/changes to address the feedback we identified as highest priority. Council approved the Enterprise Risk Management Policy and the Risk Register.
As well, the CRNS Annual Meeting was held, which included reports from myself and the Executive Director & Registrar. The annual Financial Statements were also reviewed. Thank you to those who attended.
Council and staff also attended the Employee Recognition Dinner to honor employees’ long service with the CRNS. A heartfelt congratulations to all staff who received recognition!
Moni Snell, CRNS Council Chair Farewell, June 2025
As I come to the end of my term as Council Chair, I want to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to my fellow Council members, staff of the CRNS and our registrants — thank you. It’s been a privilege to collaborate with all of you to achieve our shared purpose and mandate, which is to ensure safe care for the public that we serve. Serving as Chair has been an honor and one of the most memorable experiences of my professional life.
Sincerely,
Moni Snell, NP
(she/her)
Council Chair