Shape BC's First Main Agreement for Nurse Practitioners
Get ready to vote in April
Between April 13 and 24, 2026, NPs across the province will have the opportunity to vote on whether to give Nurses and Nurse Practitioners of BC a mandate to pursue a Main Agreement, or comprehensive compensation framework, on their behalf.
Every NP will have a say. Register now to make sure you are able to participate.
Learn More: What is a Main Agreement?
A Main Agreement is a type of comprehensive compensation framework that is a formal, legally binding contract between a profession and the provincial government. It sets out shared priorities, responsibilities and protections that support your practice and strengthen your role.
Who's It For?
A Main Agreement would apply to all Nurse Practitioners in BC who are publicly funded, whether they are employed by a health authority or working under an independent service contract...
How Could It Help?
Currently, decisions about NP compensation and support are made without NPs at the table. A Main Agreement would give NPs a unified voice in shaping their profession's future ...
What Do NPs Think?
In fall 2025, NNPBC invited nurse practitioners across BC to share their views on a potential Main Agreement for NPs.
Between September 3 and October 5, 339 NPs responded, offering valuable insight into current perspectives and information needs on this important initiative.
Read the results in our What We Heard report
Hear What Others Are Saying
Nurse practitioners across British Columbia share how a proposed Main Agreement or comprehensive compensation framework would support their work, recognize their expertise and strengthen the care they provide to patients and communities.
Justina
As an NP working in youth primary care, gender-affirming care, and mental health and substance use, a Main Agreement means knowing the care I provide to young people facing trauma, poverty, and stigma is finally seen — and supported. It’s about building lasting structure that values our expertise, the quality and the complexity of the care we bring to families.
Sara
As a new grad, Your Voice | Your Future means recognizing that NPs bring immense value to the healthcare system — and that now is the time to unite, advocate, and shape the future of our profession.
Kristin
As a Nurse Practitioner working in both a PCN and a Health Authority–operated Urgent Care, I value the flexibility and impact of our diverse roles. The Main Agreement will provide a shared foundation that protects and supports NP practice across all contexts. It’s a step toward standards that reflect the strength and breadth of NP care in BC.
James
To me, Your voice | Your Future means ensuring that all NPs have access to the retention incentives and supports that allow them to flourish in their practice setting. The Main Agreement will foster the equity required to allow rural NPs the benefits to have long and satisfying careers.
Tracey
In my 18 years as an NP in BC, I’ve invested in building the advanced skills needed for complex care — yet despite that, NPs like me often face financial and credentialing barriers that others in the system don’t. A Main Agreement is a step toward recognition, equity, and support for the people and communities we serve.
Explore the Timeline
Early 2025
Sept 2025
Oct 2025
Fall 2025
Early 2026
Mid to Late 2026
2027
2028
Early engagement
The first phase of work included meetings with NPs and sector leaders across models of care. Broad engagement gave us an opportunity to share information and invite views through townhalls, NP community meetings, webinars for students as well as meetings with employer and policy leads in HEABC, health authorities and the BC Government.
Explore the Timeline
Early 2025
Early engagement
The first phase of work included meetings with NPs and sector leaders across models of care. Broad engagement gave us an opportunity to share information and invite views through townhalls, NP community meetings, webinars for students as well as meetings with employer and policy leads in HEABC, health authorities and the BC Government.
Sept 2025
Learn and participate
The Your Voice, Your Future campaign launches! NPs are encouraged to get informed and take part in an NP-wide survey that will help identify information gaps or needs related to pursuing a Main Agreement. We’ll also invite your input on a fair threshold vote to secure a mandate. Through this time, we’re encouraging you to talk with colleagues, invite thought leaders into your circles, and help surface the issues that matter most.
Oct 2025
What we heard
Once the survey closes on Oct. 3, we’ll report back on what we heard. If the results point to gaps, confusion, or a need for more clarity, we’ll take the time to work through questions and issues together before a vote. The goal is to ensure that the work we do is led by you and your needs and experiences.
Fall 2025
NPs vote
This is the turning point. NPs across BC will be asked to vote on whether NNPBC should pursue a Main Agreement on their behalf. This is not a vote on the agreement itself. It’s a decision on whether to move forward with building one. The vote will be confidential and secure, with clear communication on how to participate. Date TBD.
Early 2026
Build the foundation
If the vote passes, NNPBC will begin the work of building infrastructure needed to pursue a Main Agreement, including dedicated NP leadership and negotiating team, supported by internal staff. This phase ensures that the voices, systems, and protections are in place to engage in formal negotiations with government in a way that’s credible, collaborative, and grounded in good policy.
Mid to Late 2026
Broader engagement
No two NP roles are the same and this phase is about recognizing that. We’ll engage broadly across the profession to clearly define needs, challenges, and the supports necessary to strengthen the profession across all practice models. Input from patients, employers, and partners will also help shape this phase. By inviting in a wide range of perspectives, we’ll create a bargaining approach that reflects the diversity and strength of NP practice.
2027
Prepare for negotiation
From here, peer-identified NP leaders will work together to establish a clear negotiation framework. This includes draft proposals, supporting evidence, and issue prioritization. This is also the time to align with provincial priorities, understand fiscal and system contexts, and ensure the groundwork is in place to negotiate from a position of integrity, expertise, and readiness.
2028
Begin formal negotiations
With engagement complete and a negotiating framework in place, we move to the formal table. Negotiations with government begin, backed by a mandate, a team, an NP negotiating committee, and the collective insight of Nurse Practitioners from across BC. This is a historic step: the first time NPs in BC will be positioned to shape a Main Agreement that reflects their value, their complexity, and their role in building a stronger, more sustainable health system.
