The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Health and Community Services:

Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge National Nursing Week and to recognize the contributions of those in the nursing profession.

The theme of National Nursing Week 2022 is ‘We Answer the Call.’ This theme reflects the determination and dedication nurses continue to show while rising to the occasion for their patients, the public and colleagues alike.

Speaker, our government understands the impacts of the nursing shortage in our province. It is an issue that is being seen across the country.

We continue to work collaboratively to increase the capacity in our educational programs by increasing seats in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program by 25 per cent and the Practical Nursing Program by 40 per cent. As well, we are working to strengthen recruitment and retention strategies across Newfoundland and Labrador. While a career in nursing is focused on caring for others, we appreciate the need to care for our nurses by enhancing the quality of nursing work life.

The pandemic further brought to light the pressures that nurses and all health care workers experience every day and showed the crucial role that nurses play in the community.

Speaker, I ask all Honourable Members to join me as we once again thank nurses for always rising to the occasion.