As a result of their skipping out on their corporate citizen responsibilities, the tax burden has been shifted to individuals and this has helped create a deficit. The response of the NFNU has been to work in coalition with other groups representing social welfare, education and social justice advocates to maintain a united front to preserve public services with social benefit. NFNU President Kathleen Connors chairs the Canada Health Coalition. The coalition's strategy has been to work with a social policy institute to issue an alternative annual federal budget for the past three years and thereby shift the terms of political debate. They have also opposed the extension of drug patent protection being granted through international trade agreements which has caused rising drug prices to be a major factor in increased health spending.
Canadian polls show that nurses are the most trusted occupation in Canada.
Their willingness to take a stand to maintain the healthcare system has earned them respect and accolades.