The College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba (CRNM) has issued a formal apology for historical discrimination against Indigenous Peoples. Registrar Deb Elias delivered the apology in Winnipeg on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, acknowledging the regulator's role in perpetuating systemic racism within the nursing profession.
Apology Highlights
Elias stated that the CRNM recognizes its past failures in addressing discriminatory practices that harmed Indigenous nurses and patients. The apology comes after years of advocacy from Indigenous groups and calls for reconciliation in healthcare.
Commitment to Change
The regulator has pledged to implement new policies and educational programs to ensure cultural safety and equity. This includes mandatory Indigenous cultural competency training for all registrants and review of disciplinary processes that disproportionately affected Indigenous nurses.
Indigenous leaders welcomed the apology but emphasized the need for concrete actions to rebuild trust. The CRNM plans to establish an Indigenous advisory council to guide ongoing reforms.
