It takes a TEAM…
NBCNHU members stand up for each other.
Our more than 4600 members are essential to delivering quality care across the province in 52 Nursing Homes.
During this unprecedented pandemic and daily, your union has adapted quickly to changing circumstances and has stood strong to protect members’ rights and safety.
As a member of NBCNHU, you belong to Canada’s largest union, Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) and its long and proud history of advocacy. We’re here for you.
More than 50 years of strength and solidarity
The NB Council of Nursing Homes Unions was formed in 1971; however, it wasn’t until 1981 that workers from 20 nursing homes across the province won union certification after fighting to improve working conditions that included unsafe practices that endangered the health and safety of the resident, abusive treatment, working long hours with no pay for fear of being terminated. The founding members knew that as part of a union, we were stronger together. Those early members were motivated to improve their working conditions and caring conditions for their residents. As CUPE organized more workplaces across NB, members united to bargain strong collective agreements and defend public nursing homes.
From ensuring provincial voice on issues that impact you in the workplace. Advocating for better working conditions and fair wage compensation, NBCNHU members look out for one another – and have for over 50 years.
Leading in our workplace and the community
Today, the NB Council of Nursing Homes Unions is ever more diverse and inclusive. We provide resources and support in ways the founding NBCNHU members couldn’t imagine.
At every workplace, each NBCNHU member is connected to the power of more than 27,000 other members from various sectors throughout New Brunswick and over 700,000 members nationally. In your local union, shop stewards are trained to advocate for the people closest to them. And in the democratic tradition of industrial unions, every worker has the opportunity to contribute.
Active member participation – in the workplace and the community – is the greatest source of NBCNHU’s power in improving union members’ lives.
Generations of nursing home workers have benefited from the power and pride that comes from standing together. In that tradition of solidarity and social justice, NBCNHU members continue to stand up for every member of the nursing home team.
Your NBCNHU Executive
SHARON TEARE, president
Sharon Teare (she/her) serves as President of the New Brunswick Council of Nursing Home Unions (NBCNHU), a position she has held since 2018. She is a Resident Attendant and proud member of CUPE Local 2116.
Sharon lives in Saint John, New Brunswick, on the unceded and traditional territory of the Mi’kmaq and Wolastoqey (Maliseet) Peoples. As President, she represents more than 4,800 members—including Licensed Practical Nurses, Resident Attendants, and support workers—from 52 nursing homes across New Brunswick.
A Resident Attendant with more than 23 years of service at the Church of St. John & St. Stephen Nursing Home, Sharon has dedicated her career to providing compassionate care for seniors. She considers it her greatest honour to care for and support the people who helped pave the way for future generations.
Sharon is the proud mother of two grown children and grandmother of three beautiful grandchildren. Her passion lies in ensuring that the voices of nursing home workers, residents, and their families are heard and respected. Known for her kindness, integrity, and unwavering dedication, Sharon consistently goes above and beyond for the members she represents. She approaches every challenge with determination and remains committed to advocating for better workplaces, quality care, and a stronger future for all nursing home workers.
JASON STONGE, 1st Vice-president
Jason St-Onge (he/him) serves as First Vice President of the New Brunswick Council of Nursing Home Unions (NBCNHU), a position he has held since 2021. He is also a Resident Attendant and proud member of CUPE Local 5108, with more than 22 years of experience working in long-term care.
Jason lives in Edmundston, New Brunswick, on the unceded and traditional territory of the Mi’kmaq and Wolastoqey (Maliseet) Peoples. A dedicated union activist, he is committed to advocating for nursing home workers, strengthening member engagement, and building a stronger labour movement through education, mentorship, and leadership development.
As the father of two wonderful children, Jason understands firsthand the challenges of raising a family while working in long-term care. His lived experience gives him a deep appreciation for the sacrifices nursing home workers make every day and fuels his commitment to improving working conditions for all members.
Outside of his union work, Jason is passionate about music and regularly volunteers his time to entertain seniors in nursing homes. His compassion, generosity, and genuine desire to help others are reflected in everything he does. Jason believes in empowering members to become informed, confident leaders and is dedicated to ensuring every member has a strong voice within their union.
KIM COPP, 2nd Vice-president
Kim Copp (she/her) serves as Second Vice President of the New Brunswick Council of Nursing Home Unions (NBCNHU). She is a Licensed Practical Nurse and proud member of CUPE Local 2610.
Kim lives in Albert County, New Brunswick, on the unceded and traditional territory of the Wolastoqey (Maliseet) and Mi’kmaq Peoples. As Second Vice President, she is proud to be part of a dedicated team of union activists committed to representing nursing home workers who provide compassionate care to some of our most vulnerable residents.
Kim is the proud mother of a wonderful son and grandmother to three beautiful grandchildren. Outside of her union work, she enjoys spending time with her family, relaxing at the beach, and sharing adventures with friends.
Kim is committed to ensuring that every member feels heard, respected, and valued. She works alongside her fellow executive members to advocate for the respect, resources, and support that nursing home workers deserve so they can provide the highest quality of care to residents and their families. A strong believer in work-life balance, Kim is dedicated to helping create healthier, more sustainable workplaces for all workers.
BONNIE FOURNIER, Secretary Treasurer
Bonnie Fournier (she/her) serves as Secretary-Treasurer of the New Brunswick Council of Nursing Home Unions (NBCNHU), a position she has held since 2020. She is a Licensed Practical Nurse and proud member of CUPE Local 1429, where she also continues to serve as Local President.
Bonnie lives in Arthurette, New Brunswick, on the unceded and traditional territory of the Mi’kmaq and Wolastoqey (Maliseet) Peoples. Throughout her years of union involvement, she has served on numerous committees and remains dedicated to advocating for nursing home workers at both the local and provincial levels.
Bonnie shares her life with her lifelong friend and husband, Roger. Together they have a wonderful daughter, and she is the proud grandmother of two beautiful grandsons.
At the age of 40, Bonnie returned to school to pursue her passion for nursing. She has worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse at Victoria Glen Manor in Perth-Andover, New Brunswick, for the past 15 years. Her deep respect and compassion for seniors are reflected in her unwavering dedication to providing quality care and advocating for both residents and the workers who support them every day.
KATHY LEBLANC, Recording Secretary
Kathy LeBlanc (she/her) is a Nursing Clerk and proud member of CUPE Local 1303. She lives on the unceded and traditional territory of the Mi’kmaq Peoples.
Kathy began her career at Villa Providence, now known as Maison Providence, in 2008 as a Resident Attendant. After spending a year working in housekeeping, she transitioned into the role of Nursing Clerk, a position she has held ever since. Her dedication to her workplace and her fellow members led her to become involved in her union, first serving as a Shop Steward, then as Recording Secretary, Vice President, and now as President of her local since 2022.
Kathy is passionate about her family, her friends, and her work family. She is the proud mother of two wonderful sons, who mean the world to her. Through her union involvement, Kathy is committed to supporting her coworkers, ensuring members’ voices are heard, and continuing to advocate for the important work performed by nursing home employees every day.
