Aman Grewal Obituary — Cause of Death: BC Nurses’ Union Mourns the Sudden Loss of Former President (2021–2023)
Aman Grewal Obituary — Cause of Death: BC Nurses’ Union Mourns the Sudden Loss of Former President (2021–2023)
On April 17, 2025, the BC Nurses’ Union (BCNU) announced with profound sorrow the unexpected passing of Aman Grewal, who served as the union’s president from 2021 to 2023. Her sudden death has left a significant void in the nursing community and the broader healthcare sector.
Early Life and Nursing Career
Aman Grewal began her nursing career over 35 years ago at Surrey Memorial Hospital (SMH), where she developed a passion for pediatrics and later specialized in pediatric emergency care. She also served as a Diabetes Educator, working with both children and adults, including within the South Asian community citeturn0search0.
Union Involvement and Leadership
Grewal’s involvement with the BCNU began early in her career during the 1989 strike, where she served as the job action coordinator for her region. She continued to serve in various capacities, including as a ward representative for over 15 years and as chair of BCNU’s Human Rights and Equity Committee and Truth and Reconciliation Working Group citeturn0search0.
Presidency and Advocacy
Elected as BCNU Vice President in 2019 and re-elected in 2020, Grewal became president in September 2021. During her tenure, she advocated for social justice and equity issues, focusing on protecting nurses’ rights and ensuring they did not lose the gains they had fought for on the picket line citeturn0search0.
Achievements and Contributions
Under Grewal’s leadership, BCNU achieved several milestones, including rejoining the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions, negotiating a new provincial collective agreement, and securing a government commitment to nurse-patient ratios. She described the ratification of the new three-year Nurses’ Bargaining Association provincial collective agreement with historic compensation gains as her proudest achievement citeturn0search3.
Advocacy During the Pandemic
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Grewal was a vocal advocate for healthcare workers. She expressed concerns about the impact of mandatory vaccination policies on staffing levels and the potential for increased burnout among nurses. She also highlighted the challenges faced by nurses due to overwork and stress, particularly in hospitals like Richmond General, where some nurses were considering leaving the profession citeturn0search6.
Commitment to Safety and Accountability
Grewal was a staunch advocate for workplace safety. She expressed deep concern when Northern Health Authority was fined $355,000 for failing to complete safety investigations. She called for a government audit of all occupational health and safety reports to ensure investigations were conducted and corrective actions were implemented to keep healthcare workers safe citeturn0search8.
Personal Reflections
In interviews, Grewal emphasized the importance of empowerment and resilience. She believed that being a woman meant embodying care, compassion, and nurturing, but also empowerment to achieve one’s goals and dreams citeturn0search1.
Legacy and Impact
Aman Grewal’s legacy is one of unwavering dedication to the nursing profession and advocacy for the rights and well-being of healthcare workers. Her leadership and contributions have left an indelible mark on the BC Nurses’ Union and the broader healthcare community.
Conclusion
The BC Nurses’ Union and the healthcare community mourn the loss of Aman Grewal. Her commitment to social justice, equity, and the well-being of nurses has left a lasting impact that will continue to inspire future generations.
