The question of a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is one of growing importance in Canadian nursing, and I welcome the suggestion of Ms. Joachim ("The Practice Doctorate: Where Do Canadian Nursing Leaders Stand?") that the profession needs to reopen the discussion and consider afresh the issues and their implications.

There are two possible pathways for a DNP in Canada, and each has distinct issues that should be considered. There is the DNP as entry to advanced practice (in line with moves south of the border); conversely, there is the DNP as an alternative pathway for master's-prepared clinicians to undergo further education as they move to senior roles in practice and leadership. The paper by Ms. Joachim is focused on the first of these options - the case for DNP entry to advanced practice. The second option, however, remains an issue for many in Canada; thus I will consider each in turn.

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