Mr. Speaker, on behalf of all Canadians I would like to recognize this as Victorian Order of Nurses Week.
For nearly 100 years the Victorian Order of Nurses has provided primary health care to Canadians in the home and the community. The Victorian Order of Nurses is a unique nursing agency in that it is national and a registered charitable organization.
In 1992-93 the VON's 74 branches in all provinces contributed to improved quality of life and health for over 250,000 Canadians and their families. VON registered nurses are specially trained for complex, technological home care, gerontological nursing, palliative care, rehabilitation and foot care.
VON registered nursing assistants and home support workers are critically important to the visiting nursing teams. Over 8,700 volunteers give willingly of their time and talents to VON services.
I am sure all members of the House would want to congratulate the Victorian Order of Nurses for its contributions to the health of Canadians.