We are proposing two changes to our Fees By-Laws and we want your feedback.
The first proposed change is a new approach to how fees are set each year. Rather than periodic large increases, the proposed approach is designed to support smaller, predictable annual adjustments that registrants and applicants can better anticipate year to year.
The proposed approach includes a standard annual fee increase of 7%, with built-in governance oversight by CNO’s Finance & Risk Committee and Council to allow for a lower fee when possible, or an increase within defined limits if necessary. This means that a 7% increase is not guaranteed. Fee increases will always be based only on CNO’s financial needs. If there isn’t a need, the increase would be smaller or even zero. CNO’s Council, which is composed of nurses and public members, makes decisions, including those that can affect fees such as the annual budget, in the public interest. Being financially viable allows CNO to remain an effective regulator that promotes safe nursing practice and protects the public.
This proposed approach focuses on lower, consistent annual adjustments rather than infrequent significant increases. It aims to create greater stability for applicants and registrants, while supporting CNO’s long-term financial planning.
A few factors contribute to the need for increasing fees. Those include out-of-the-ordinary inflationary pressures, initiatives to support system partner needs and investments to upgrade our information technology infrastructure. While we take a strict approach to controlling costs, without a fee change, our operating costs would increase faster than our revenues, leading to increasing annual deficits.
The second proposed change is for labour mobility applicants from other Canadian jurisdictions who apply to register in Ontario using automatic recognition.
This proposed by-law change would allow an applicant currently registered in another Canadian jurisdiction to receive a credit equal to 25% of their application fee when they apply to CNO. The credit will be applied to any future payment the applicant makes. This change is a legislative requirement under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991. The proposed 25% application fee credit has been reviewed based on CNO’s revenue and is expected to have a minimal financial impact.
How to give your feedback
Visit our consultation page for detailed information about the proposed changes. Then, complete the online survey to share your feedback. It should take about five minutes to complete. The consultation will close on May 20, 2026.
Your responses are anonymous and confidential. CNO will only share aggregate results and anonymized verbatim quotes.
In June 2026, Council will review your feedback as it considers approving the proposed changes.