November 15, 2023 | Ottawa, ON | Health Canada

During National Nurse Practitioner Week, we recognize and celebrate the dedication of nurses who provide life-saving care to us and our loved ones.

Nurses are the largest group of health care professionals in the country. More than 400,000 members play a critical role in Canada’s health care system. Its members see people at their most vulnerable and provide continuous care, support and compassion, even in the most difficult situations.

Nurse practitioners are qualified health care professionals who have completed training that enables them to diagnose, administer treatment, prescribe medication, and more. They often work in healthcare teams, directly with patients, and at all stages of their lives.

We must urgently address the challenges currently facing the health-care workforce, as they have a significant impact on the physical and mental health of nurses – sometimes leading them to leave the profession. As part of our efforts to support health-care workers, our government is investing nearly $200 billion over 10 years to improve health care for Canadians, with a focus on measures to support the health of health-care workers through retention and recruitment efforts, as well as implementing more team-based care delivery models.

In June 2023, Leigh Chapman (RNS), Canada’s Chief Nursing Officer, hosted a Nurse Retention Forum that brought together members of the nursing community – including nurses and nurse practitioners, employers and frontline workers from across the country – to discuss the challenges facing the health care workforce and develop the Nurse Retention Toolkit. This toolkit provides employers with concrete tools and guidance for creating work environments where nurses feel supported.

We will continue to work with our provincial and territorial partners to support the health-care workforce and advance the initiatives discussed at the Health Ministers meeting last month. We are committed to focusing on nurse retention this year and accelerating ongoing doctor and nurse licensing processes to enable faster integration of foreign-trained health-care professionals into the health-care workforce.

Nurses work tirelessly for long hours every day to help people in need. On behalf of the Government of Canada, we are grateful for the care you provide to Canadians and the important role you play in our health and well-being. Thank you to all nurses for dedicating your lives and careers to protecting and preserving our health.

The Honourable Mark Holland, PC, MP
The Honorable Ya’ara Saks, PC, MP