Our Story
The Saskatchewan Union of Nurses (SUN) has a strong and proud history advocating for high quality, safe patient care, the registered nursing profession, and the communities in which our members serve.
Who We Are
The Saskatchewan Union of Nurses (SUN) is a trade union established in 1974 under the Saskatchewan Trade Union Act. SUN represents over 10,000 Registered Nurses (RNs), Nurse Practitioners (NPs), Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPNs) and graduates employed in rural and urban:
- acute care hospitals;
- long-term care facilities;
- home care services;
- integrated facilities;
- public and mental health services;
- schools; and
- Canadian Blood Services offices.
SUN members work in a single discipline – registered nursing. They work in both preventative and treatment settings; they work alone and in teams. In all settings, SUN members must practice in accordance with standards set by the professional associations: the College of Registered Nurses of Saskatchewan (CRNS) and the Registered Psychiatric Nurses Association of Saskatchewan (RPNAS).
It is our goal to achieve safe and healthy practice environments for all SUN members. Under the Saskatchewan Employment Act, SUN is obligated to:
- bargain terms and conditions of employment for our members, and once in place, assist nurses in enforcing those conditions; and
- fairly represent every member in a grievance or rights arbitration in a manner that is not arbitrary, discriminatory or in bad faith.
SUN is affiliated with, and a proud member of, the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions (CFNU), the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) and the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour (SFL).
The Saskatchewan Union of Nurses (SUN) was officially born on January 19, 1974; from that day forward SUN and our members have been strong and passionate advocates for the registered nursing profession and ensuring safe patient care is at the forefront of everything we do.
SUN’s history is full of challenges, accomplishments, and proud moments as a trusted voice and leader in Saskatchewan’s healthcare.
Mission, Vision and Values
The Saskatchewan Union of Nurses (SUN) has a strong and proud history advocating for high quality, safe patient care, the registered nursing profession, and the communities in which our members serve.
Mission Statement
SUN exists to enhance the social, economic, and general well-being of our members, and to protect high quality, publicly funded and delivered health services.
Vision
Healthy Members, Healthy Union, Healthy Communities
Values
Effective Advocacy – SUN believes our success is dependent upon our ability to be effective advocates for the rights and needs of our members and our patients.
Quality Health Care – SUN believes we have a vitally important stewardship role in protecting and enhancing high quality, accessible, comprehensive, and publicly funded and delivered health care services.
Honesty and Integrity – SUN believes we must always uphold the integrity of nursing and be honest and forthright in our interactions.
Respect and Understanding – SUN believes we must continually demonstrate respect and understanding in all of our interactions.
Accountability – SUN believes the Board must be accountable to members for its actions and results.
Inclusiveness and Diversity – SUN values inclusiveness, embraces diversity and strives to protect the rights of all.
Solidarity – SUN believes nurses benefit from solidarity which is enabled by strong trade union principles and by uniting our collective power.
Empowerment – SUN believes its members and staff must be supportive in their efforts to optimally achieve our mutual goals and objectives.
Legislation
While performing our work, SUN must be aware of other pieces of legislation (Acts and Regulations) to protect our members and their patients/clients, such as (but not limited to):
Scholarships
All awards are managed by the Educational Institutions as per the criteria set out by the SUN Memorial Scholarship Fund trustees. The trustees are SUN’s First and Second Vice-Presidents, SUN Local 105 President and two members of the Fockler family.
Awards are subject to change following negotiations of the Terms or Reference with the Educational Institutions or changes to Canada Revenue Agency requirements.
SUN/CFNU Bursary ($1,000)
- Open to students enrolled in the 3rd or 4th year of a registered nursing education program in Saskatchewan.
- Application forms and information are available at all the Saskatchewan campuses and on this page.
- The criterion for this bursary places more emphasis on financial need over academic excellence, but also gives preference to the child of a SUN member.
- The deadline to apply is November 30th on an annual basis.
SUN Psychiatric Nursing Saskatchewan Innovation and Opportunity Memorial Award ($750)
- Open to Psychiatric Nursing Diploma program, Year 2 students who are enrolled full-time at Saskatchewan Polytechnic Regina campus.
- Selection will be based on: Financial Need (75% weighting), Academic Achievement (25% weighting).
- Award selection by Saskatchewan Polytechnic Donor and Alumni Relations Office.
- Click here for an application form and applicable deadline information.
SUN Trust Award – University of Saskatchewan ($750)
- Open to students entering 2nd or 3rd year of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program.
- The selection will be based on financial need (75% weighing) and academic achievement (25% weighing), as determined by the Award Committee.
- Recipient awarded by a committee determined by the Dean, College of Nursing.
- Visit www.usask.com/nursing for application and applicable deadline information.
SUN Saskatchewan Innovation and Opportunity Award ($750)
- Open to Saskatchewan Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program, Year 1 or Year 2 students who are enrolled full-time at any location where the program is delivered.
- Selection will be based on Financial Need (75% weighting), Academic Achievement (25% weighting).
- Award selection by Saskatchewan Polytechnic Donor and Alumni Relations Office.
- Click here for an application form and applicable deadline information.