The healthcare community across British Columbia and Canada is mourning the passing of Aman Grewal, the former President of the BC Nurses’ Union (BCNU), whose leadership and advocacy left an indelible mark on the nursing profession. Grewal, who served as BCNU president from 2021 to 2023, passed away recently, prompting an outpouring of grief and remembrance from those who knew and worked alongside her.
In a public statement shared on Facebook, the British Columbia Nurses’ Union paid tribute to Grewal’s impactful contributions, saying:
“We are saddened to learn of the passing of former BCNU President Aman Grewal, who served from 2021 to 2023. During her tenure, Aman was a strong advocate for BCNU members and the nursing profession, helping to negotiate the 2022-2025 provincial collective agreement. Aman also represented BCNU members at the national level in her capacity as a member of the national executive board of the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions.
Our condolences go out to Aman’s family, friends, and all who knew her during this time.”
A Tireless Advocate for Nurses in British Columbia
Aman Grewal was widely respected for her tireless work on behalf of nurses in B.C. and across Canada. She took on the presidency of BCNU during one of the most challenging periods in modern healthcare history—at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic—when nurses and frontline healthcare workers faced extraordinary demands, personal risk, and widespread burnout.
Despite the unprecedented challenges, Grewal remained a powerful voice for change. She led negotiations for the 2022-2025 provincial collective agreement, which addressed critical issues such as chronic nurse shortages, unsafe working conditions, and the urgent need for better mental health support and fair compensation. Her advocacy ensured that nurses’ voices were central to policymaking at a time when they were most needed.
Under her leadership, BCNU also strengthened its commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion—advocating for safe and respectful workplaces for all nurses, regardless of background.
A National Voice for Canadian Nurses
In addition to her work in British Columbia, Aman Grewal held a position on the national executive board of the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions (CFNU), representing the interests of BCNU members at the national level. Her presence on the CFNU board gave BC nurses a vital voice in federal healthcare discussions and helped advance policies to protect and empower nursing professionals across Canada.
Grewal was known not only for her professional accomplishments but also for her empathy, integrity, and unwavering belief in the power of collective action. She inspired many with her courage, compassion, and steadfast dedication to improving working conditions for healthcare professionals.
Legacy of Leadership and Service
Aman Grewal’s passing is a profound loss to the nursing and healthcare communities in Canada. Her legacy, however, lives on through the many nurses she mentored, the policy changes she helped bring about, and the countless lives she touched through her advocacy.
Colleagues, union members, and healthcare workers have begun sharing tributes online, honoring Grewal’s memory and reflecting on her contributions. Many describe her as a fearless leader and a champion of justice, always placing the needs of her fellow nurses at the forefront.
As the BCNU and its members reflect on her passing, her life’s work serves as a powerful reminder of what committed, compassionate leadership can accomplish in the face of adversity.
Final Words
The BC Nurses’ Union ended its tribute with a message of deep sympathy:
“Our condolences go out to Aman’s family, friends, and all who knew her during this time.”
Aman Grewal’s dedication to the nursing profession, her leadership during a global health crisis, and her advocacy on behalf of thousands of nurses across British Columbia and Canada will not be forgotten. She was more than a union leader—she was a visionary, a role model, and a passionate protector of healthcare workers’ rights.
As the healthcare community continues to grapple with her passing, Aman Grewal’s memory will endure through the lives of those she served, supported, and inspired.
