Message from the Minister of Health, the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, and the Minister of Seniors on the occasion of National Nursing Week
Statement
May 9, 2022 | Ottawa, ON | Health Canada
May 9-15 marks National Nursing Week, and this year’s theme “We Answer the Call” recognizes the courage and commitment nurses show every day, and especially over the past two years. During this week, we recognize the vital contributions that generations of nurses have made to our health care system.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, nurses have worked tirelessly on the front lines, playing many roles in the community and ensuring people across the country receive the best possible health care.
With more than 400,000 members, the nursing community is Canada’s largest group of regulated health professionals. In recognition of the central role nurses have played and continue to play in our health care system, in February 2022, the Government of Canada announced a process to hire a Chief Nursing Officer for Canada. This role will ensure nurses’ perspectives and experiences are an integral part of the development of broad health system policy. We look forward to being able to provide further news on this process in the coming weeks.
We are also focused on ensuring that access to nurses is available in communities who need them most. That is why Budget 2022 committed $26.2 million to increase the forgivable amount of student loans for doctors and nurses who practise in rural and remote communities. Now, more than ever, we need to ensure that our health care system delivers the care Canadians deserve.
The nursing community is passionate and dedicated to improving the lives of those around us. We appreciate your hard work throughout the pandemic and recognize the sacrifices you have made, dealing with immense pressures and increased workloads. If you need support, there are resources available. The Wellness Together Canada portal provides 24/7 access to free and confidential mental health and substance use services, with dedicated resources to support our health workforce.
On behalf of the Government of Canada, we thank all nurses across the country. This week, let’s recognize and celebrate nurses and their contributions to helping people across the country live healthier lives. Like Florence Nightingale, whose birthday we celebrate, nurses have played an integral part in ensuring that data and statistics informed the evidence-based care and policies.
Join the conversation online by using the hashtags #WeAnswerTheCall and #NationalNursingWeek, or visit the Canadian Nurses Association to learn more about National Nursing Week.
The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, P.C., M.P.
The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, P.C., M.P.
The Honourable Kamal Khera, P.C., M.P.
Contacts
Marie-France Proulx
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos
Minister of Health
613-957-0200
Maja Staka
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett
Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health
Media Relations
Health Canada
613-957-2983
media@hc-sc.gc.ca
Jasmeen Shergill
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Seniors, Kamal Khera
jasmeen.shergill@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca