National Nursing Week 2024

Press Release

May 13, 2024

Minister of Health and Social Services Lesa Semmler extends heartfelt appreciation to nurses in the following statement for National Nursing Week:

“As we conclude National Nursing Week, I am profoundly honoured to celebrate the tireless efforts of northern nurses. As Minister of Health and Social Services – and a former front-line nurse in our system, I am deeply grateful to nurses for their unwavering commitment to the people and communities of the Northwest Territories.

“This year’s theme for National Nursing Week was Changing Lives. Shaping Tomorrow – in recognition of the profound affect that nurses have on the people and communities they care for. This theme also acknowledges how their hard work today is helping to shape and improve the future of healthcare tomorrow.

“It is also a special privilege to acknowledge Indigenous Nurses Day this week, which recognizes the extraordinary contributions of Indigenous nurses within our healthcare system. The impact of Indigenous nurses in our system is invaluable, particularly in ensuring the delivery of culturally safe care to all residents of the Northwest Territories.

“Nurses are the backbone of our healthcare system. They work hard every day to provide compassionate patient-centred care and promote health and wellness to residents. They often work in challenging environments, remote locations, and extreme conditions, all while ensuring patient needs are paramount.

“I especially want to acknowledge their unwavering commitment to residents through the many challenges our territory has faced in recent years. Nurses serve as pillars of support to patients and their loved ones, offering compassion and kindness at difficult moments in people’s lives. I am grateful for the opportunity to acknowledge the work they do and the grace with which they do it. To all NWT nurses, thank you for all that you do.”

Media Requests, please contact:

Cabinet Communications
Government of the Northwest Territories
PressSecretary@gov.nt.ca

IHT6