Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure for me to remind the House that tomorrow is Aboriginal Nurses Day. I extend to aboriginal nurses my congratulations and more particularly to the Aboriginal Nurses Association which is celebrating its 20th anniversary.
From a group of 41 nurses that came together in Montreal 20 years ago, this association has grown to a membership of 300 and continues to have a strong voice on behalf of aboriginal health. It serves as a great role model for Canadian youth.
The association strives to improve the health of aboriginal peoples and to encourage them to take responsibility for their own health and social problems.
The government strongly supports this initiative and I know all hon. members would like to join with me to congratulate aboriginal nurses on this important day.