Minister of Health congratulates the Winners of the 2015 Health Canada Awards of Excellence in Nursing

May 12, 2015 – Ottawa, Ontario – Health Canada

Yesterday, the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Health acknowledged the recipients of the annual Awards of Excellence in Nursing. These awards are provided annually during National Nursing Week to employees who provide nursing services in First Nations and Inuit communities.

This year’s recipients are Health Canada employee, Donalda Stanley (Paul Band Health Centre, Alberta); First Nations employee, Elizabeth Henderson (Tiny, ON); and Inuit community employee, Larry Thompson (Tuktoyaktuk, NWT).

For the past 12 years, Health Canada has recognized registered nurses who have gone above and beyond – who demonstrate exceptional commitment and dedication to their profession and the communities they serve. Nurses working in First Nations and Inuit communities are often the only frontline health providers for clients living in remote and isolated communities. They work in unique and challenging circumstances providing access to high quality healthcare.

Award recipients are nominated by their supervisors, peers or community members living in First Nations and Inuit communities.

Quick Facts

Nurses interested in joining Health Canada services in First Nation communities can apply at Nursing careers.
Health Canada employs approximately 700 casual, part-time and permanent nurses to deliver health services in First Nations communities across Canada.
Health Canada currently funds or delivers clinical care services in 80 remote and isolated First Nation communities serving roughly 91,000 individuals.
Economic Action Plan 2015 committed $12 million over three years to Indspire, to provide post-secondary scholarships and bursaries for First Nations and Inuit students pursuing post-secondary education, including health-related careers.
Health Canada is implementing a Nursing Recruitment and Retention Strategy to provide a stable workforce and increase Health Canada’s capacity to access training opportunities while ensuring the needs of the communities are met.

Quotes

“We are grateful for the commitment and dedication of all nurses who support the well-being and health of First Nations and Inuit across Canada. Donalda Stanley, Elizabeth Henderson and Larry Thompson are exceptional nurses and role models for their colleagues and peers. Thank you for your efforts and I trust you will inspire new recruits and nursing graduates to consider a these unique nursing career opportunities.”
The Honourable Rona Ambrose
Minister of Health

Associated Links

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Contacts

Michael Bolkenius
Office of the Honourable Rona Ambrose
Federal Minister of Health
613-957-0200

Health Canada
Media Relations
613-957-2983

Public Inquiries:
613-957-2991
1-866-225-0709

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