Louise Aerts,
Chief Officer, Strategy, Governance and Reconciliation, BC College of Nurses and Midwives

Louise has over 15 years of Executive level experience in the regulatory arena and is highly committed to governing the practice of health professionals in the public interest, with a focus on addressing indigenous-specific racism, promoting equity, fairness in decision-making and due process, and interprofessional collaboration. As Registrar and Executive Director of the College of Midwives of BC from 2014 to 2020, Louise led the regulator through a period of transformation that included changes to the Midwives Regulation, a complete revision of the bylaws, as well as an amalgamation with the BC College of Nursing Professionals, which took effect in September 2020.

Following the amalgamation, Louise served as BCCNM's Executive Director, Strategy & Integration, supporting the initial integration of the legacy colleges' regulatory functions as well as facilitating the new college's strategic and operational planning processes. She also led the work to create BCCNM's Cultural Safety and Humility action plan, working closely with First Nations Elders and Advisors, upon whose territories and lands the College works.

In her current role as Chief Officer, Strategy, Governance and Reconciliation, Louise will support the board, committees, and organization on strategy and governance matters. Her reconciliation work will ensure that the critical concepts of reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion will be integrated into all aspects of BCCNM's work.