July 23–24, 2026

Conference Agenda

Two days of learning, recognition, collaboration, and meaningful conversations about internationally educated nurse integration in Nova Scotia and beyond.

Conference Schedule

Two Days of Learning and Connection

Join internationally educated nurses, employers, regulators, educators, health-system leaders, community organizations, and policy partners at the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront.

Day 1

Thursday, July 23

5:00 p.m.–8:30 p.m.

Opening reception, conference welcome, featured speakers, and awards.

View Day 1
Day 2

Friday, July 24

8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Keynote, panel discussions, research, partner presentations, and World Café.

View Day 2
Full Program

Conference Schedule

All scheduled sessions will take place in the Nova Scotia Ballroom.

Day 1

Thursday, July 23, 2026

Nova Scotia Ballroom · 5:00 p.m.–8:30 p.m.

5:00–6:00 p.m.

Registration and Networking

Pick up your conference materials and connect with fellow attendees before the opening program.

6:00–6:20 p.m.

Networking

6:20–7:00 p.m.

Conference Opening

  • Land acknowledgement and blessings
  • Welcome address and introduction to the NSIENN
  • Conference greetings:
    • Video messages from Premier Houston and Mayor Fillmore
    • Greetings from MLA Adegoke
  • Conference housekeeping
7:00–7:15 p.m.

Setting the Stage: IEN Integration Over the Years — Part 1

Speaker: Treena Campbell

7:15–7:35 p.m.

Setting the Stage: IEN Integration Over the Years — Part 2

Speaker: Linda Hamilton

7:35–8:15 p.m.

NSIENN Awards

  • IEN of the Year Award
  • IEN Champion of the Year Award
  • IEN Employer of the Year Award
  • IEN Service Recognition Award
  • Lifetime Recognition Award
8:15–8:30 p.m.

Day 1 Wrap-Up

  • Poem
  • Song
Day 2

Friday, July 24, 2026

Nova Scotia Ballroom · 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

8:00–8:30 a.m.

Registration and Networking

8:30–8:45 a.m.

Day 2 Opening

  • Land acknowledgement
  • Conference housekeeping
  • Greetings from the Health Minister

Speaker: Minister Michelle Thompson

8:45–9:25 a.m.
Keynote

Adopting a National Framework for IEN Integration in Canada: Challenges, Opportunities and the Path Forward

Speaker: Dr. Leigh Chapman

9:25–10:00 a.m.

IEN Panel

Panelists: Pronney Gabi, Karen Hall, Siju Mathew, Azza Mohamed, and Elizabeth Nkrumah Obeng

10:00–10:20 a.m.

Coffee Break

10:20–10:50 a.m.

NSIENN Research Presentation

Building Capacity for a Diversified Nursing Workforce in Nova Scotia

Speakers: The NSIENN Team

10:50–11:30 a.m.

Policy Conversation: IEN Integration Beyond Licensure

What does a coordinated and collaborative approach to IEN integration look like?

Panelists: Dr. Annette Elliot Rose, Jennifer Best, Ron Garcia, Janet Hazelton, and an ISANS representative

11:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Key Partners Presentations — Part 1

1
NSNMR Registration Processes for Internationally Educated Nurses

Trent MacIsaac, Nova Scotia Nursing and Midwifery Regulator

2
ISANS’ Foundational Support and Integration Pathways for IENs in Nova Scotia

Carolyn Duvar and Elizabeth Eustaquio-Domondon, ISANS

12:00–12:50 p.m.

Lunch and Networking

12:50–2:10 p.m.

Key Partners Presentations — Part 2

1
Internationally Educated Nurses: A Roadmap to Integration

Susan Hunt, Rola El Moubadder, Ruth Wojtiuk, and Meghan Wankel, CARE Centre for IENs

2
Innovative Mentorship and Supports for IEN Integration

Jean Daniel Jacob, Kristine Crosby, and Leah Watts, Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing

3
Enhancing Black Nurses’ Retention Through Mentorship

Eunice Ojeabulu, Black Nurses Association of Nova Scotia

4
Re-Imagining Internationally Educated Nurse Integration: A Community-Led Continuum Model for African and Caribbean Nurses

Charisma Grace Walker and Olayemi Akinrinola, Health Association of African Canadians

5
Building a New Home in Nova Scotia: Community-Based Strategies for Internationally Educated Nurse Integration and Retention

Philip Okunaiya and Muyideen Alagbe, Association of Nigerians in Nova Scotia

2:10–2:25 p.m.

Networking Coffee Break

2:25–4:00 p.m.

Key Partners Presentations — Part 3

1
Enhanced Orientation for Licensed Practical Nurses

Kelley Hiltz-Cameron, Shannex Incorporated

2
Internationally Educated Nurses Structured Support Pathway

Barbara Blays, IWK Health

3
From Arrival to Belonging: An Employer-Led Model for Integrating and Retaining Internationally Educated Nurses

Jobin Joseph, Siju Mathew, and Femy Sunny, Northwood Inc.

4
Supporting Workforce Integration at Nova Scotia Health: A Process Discussion

Angéline Comeau, Sue Blair, Tara Sherwood, Deidré Curiston, and Nancy MacConnell-Maxner, Nova Scotia Health

5
Supporting Internationally Educated Nurses Across the Continuum Through Innovative Education, Preparation, and Mentorship

Treena Campbell, Nova Scotia Health Learning Institute for Health Care Providers

6
Understanding Occupational Health and Safety: What Nurses Need to Know About OHS

Heather Matthews, OHS Advisor, Nova Scotia Nurses Union

4:00–4:05 p.m.

Stretch Break

4:05–4:50 p.m.

World Café Discussion: IEN Integration Beyond Licensure

Open question-and-answer session.

4:50–5:00 p.m.

Day 2 Wrap-Up

Agenda details and speakers are subject to change.

Join Us in Halifax

Be Part of the 2026 Conference

Connect with nursing professionals, educators, employers, regulators, and community leaders working to strengthen IEN integration.

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