Mr. Speaker, today marks the ninth annual National Oncology Nursing Day. This year's theme, “Partners in Care: Advocating for Excellence”, recognizes the incredible role oncology nurses play in our national health care system.
Cancer discriminates against no one. It affects people of all genders, nationalities and age groups. Last year there were almost 178,000 new cases of cancer diagnosed and 75,000 cancer-related deaths in our country.
Oncology nurses are on the front lines, caring for those patients and their families and supporting them through the stress of a cancer diagnosis and the fear and uncertainty that come with it.
Our government is committed to strengthening Canada's health workforce by supporting health care workers, nursing stakeholders and working with all levels of government to improve our health care system.
Our government's most recent budget further supports nurses, making those in rural and remote communities eligible for Canada student loan forgiveness.
As a former oncology nurse myself, I invite members to join with me in expressing our support and sincere appreciation for Canada's oncology nurses.