The MNAC-OU 2026 AGM and May Luncheon held on 29 May 2026 was a wonderful celebration of connection, shared stories and cheerful company! Here are some of the highlights:

Significant Milestones Achieved:

• The announcement of our new motto “Duty, Honour, Compassion”; thank you to Captain (Ret’d) Nicole Lachance for this meaningful contribution
• The unveiling of our updated crest representing our new name, but keeping the heritage of the original Nursing Sisters Association of Canada crest
• The launch of this new MNAC Website!

Chief Nursing Officer Update. Canadian Armed Forces CNO, Colonel Carolyn Blanchard, gave an informative presentation on changes to the Nursing Officer Occupation. It was very positive and encouraging to see them make so much headway with the number of leadership positions, the advancement of the Nurse Practitioner specialty, and so many other hard fought battles. Congratulations to Colonel Blanchard and her team on these significant and well-earned advancements!

New MOU with the Canadian Nurses Foundation. With this new MOU, ratified this past April, we have updated our instructions to the CNF. Main changes include:

• Granting the scholarship award on an annual vs bi-annual basis
• The award is for former and currently serving Military Nurses or a family member
• We specified the scholarship is for Masters or Doctorate nursing studies
• An interest earned annually from the Fund will first support a $3,000 scholarship
• Any additional interest earned will support funding for Canadian Nurses Association Certification courses

Thank you to the Executive for their exceptional efforts and to everyone who attended and helped make the day a success! A special thank you to Major (Ret’d) Linda Jackson who not only was in charge of the luncheon as Social Convenor, but also volunteered to act as Secretary for the AGM in Sheila Newland’s absence. Much appreciated!

We look forward to our next gathering in November. Watch for details.