<p>In these times of information explosion, high technology, and health care reform, all health professions are challenged to re-examine their practice environments, revise their educational curricula, and plan new models of healthcare delivery. Parallel to these trends, consumer groups and government bodies have identified the need to improve access to preventive primary care, particularly for the under-served, and in rural and remote areas. These social forces provide opportunities for the nursing profession to transform advanced practice nursing. In this article, background information on the advanced practice nursing movement in Canada will be presented, and factors influencing the future development of the role discussed.</p>