VON ceases operating in six provinces

OTTAWA – The Victorian Order of Nurses (VON) is ceasing operations in six provinces and decreasing the size of its head office in order to better serve clients and provincial government partners in Ontario and Nova Scotia, its two principal service areas.

VON has filed for protection under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA) for Victorian Order of Nurses for Canada, Victorian Order of Nurses for
Canada – Eastern Region and Victorian Order of Nurses for Canada – Western Region.

VON’s operations in Ontario and Nova Scotia (Victorian Order of Nurses – Ontario Branch and Victorian Order of Nurses Nova Scotia) are not included in this
restructuring and will remain intact.

This will mean the closure of programs in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador. VON is also reducing the number of employees in its head office, which provides corporate services to the operations, by 23 percent. In total, 352 of 6,446 employees are affected by this restructuring.

Like many organizations in the healthcare sector, VON has been challenged to serve a growing number of clients with finite resources. This restructuring allows VON to focus resources on core service areas where economies of scale can be achieved.

“We have had to make some hard choices about where we are able to make a difference in the lives of the greatest number of people,” said Jo-Anne Poirier (pictured), president and chief executive officer. “We are closing our smaller operations in six provinces and streamlining our head office to free up capacity to respond to opportunities in Ontario and Nova Scotia, where we believe we have the best opportunities for sustainability and growth.

“This has been a very difficult decision. We regret the impact these changes will have on affected clients and staff, and supporting them as we move through this process is our first priority. We understand change can be difficult, which is why we are doing what we can to ensure a smooth transition for those involved. We appreciate the continued support and patience of our clients, employees, partners, and many volunteers.”

Over the coming days, VON will be working with clients, employees and partners affected by this announcement.

For more information about VON visit, www.von.ca.
About VON Canada

Established in 1897, VON is Canada’s longest-standing home and community healthcare charity, delivering a wide range of vital health and wellness services to more than 10,000 people in Ontario and Nova Scotia every day. VON is accredited with Exemplary Standing by Accreditation Canada.