Barrie-based nurse, Morgan Krauter, NP, knows her way around Council and its committees. As Chair of CNO’s Nominating Committee, she helps ensure that committee members possess the skills and character needed for their roles, drawing on her years of experience across Council and multiple committees.
“Serving on Council and its committees offers nurses a real chance to make a difference,” says Krauter. “You’ll contribute to decisions that protect the public, shape nursing practice and strengthen the profession across Ontario.”
Council Elections
Krauter encourages nurses to consider running for Council, saying it’s a unique opportunity to see nursing from a broader perspective. “You gain a deeper appreciation for public protection and how regulatory decisions are made,” she explains. Council members set the direction for nursing in Ontario, approve standards and oversee CNO’s work to protect patients and the public.
Serving on Council is all about protecting the public by promoting safe nursing practice and a great way to contribute to nursing in a system-wide way.
“Sitting at the Council table, I learned to see nursing from a wider lens—not just my clinic or even my hospital, but across the whole province,” says Krauter. “Every decision we make has a ripple effect, touching nurses in every practice setting and, most importantly, the patients they serve. That perspective has made me more thoughtful and intentional in my day-to-day leadership.”
The Council election process begins on Wednesday, Oct. 8. That’s when interested candidates can begin submitting their nomination forms.
Council elections occur in three districts. This year’s elections take place in the Eastern, Northeastern and Northwestern regions. RNs/NPs can nominate and vote for RNs/NPs, and RPNs can nominate and vote for RPNs. If your district isn’t listed, then it will be up for election in a future year.
Voters will get their chance to vote beginning Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, up until Friday, Feb. 6, 2026.
Who should get involved in Council?
Some nurses might wonder whether they’re a good fit to run for Council. That’s why CNO is providing a detailed look at the skills that are needed on Council, so you can consider whether it’s right for you.
According to Krauter, CNO isn’t looking for one ‘type’ of nurse. The strength of Council comes from having people with a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. “What matters is your commitment to safe care and willingness to learn,” she says. CNO provides training and support, so you don’t need to be an expert in regulation to get started.
CNO encourages diverse voices, experiences and perspectives on Council. We provide an optional space for candidates to share aspects of their identity with voters. This way, voters can consider how the background and lived experiences of candidates can help provide additional perspectives.
Krauter believes diversity is essential for Council and committee work. “Different perspectives make our decisions fairer and more in tune with the needs of Ontarians,” she says. A wide range of voices improves the quality of decisions and supports nurses in protecting patient safety.
Committee Appointments
In addition to Council elections, CNO also has statutory committee appointments. These are a separate process from elections to serve on Council and are open to any nurse in the province.
Statutory committees are groups of nurses and public members who make decisions on key regulatory issues, from entry-to-practice to discipline and quality assurance. Krauter notes, “Being part of a committee is meaningful work because you see the impact your decisions have on both patients and the profession.” She highlights that committee members review evidence, apply legislation and work with a diverse team—skills that strengthen judgment and leadership in everyday practice.
“On committees, I learned the importance of fairness and evidence. The work can be challenging—sometimes you’re making decisions that affect someone’s livelihood,” reflects Krauter. “But you’re guided by the principle of protecting the public. It taught me to weigh different perspectives, respect processes, and make decisions with integrity.”
Joining a CNO committee is a meaningful way for nurses to contribute to regulatory processes that protect the public. Each year, we invite RPNs, RNs and NPs to apply to participate in any of CNO’s committees. If you are considering getting involved, learning more about committee work can help you determine if it is the right fit for you.
To join, you must submit the application by midnight on Friday, Nov. 28.