Mr. Speaker, today marks the beginning of Nursing Week.
Nurses are the lifeblood of our health care system, and they play a vital role in promoting and protecting our well-being.
Optimal use of their skills would signal that we acknowledge their professional training and autonomy. It would also increase timely access to care.
Nurses, nurse practitioners and licensed practical nurses are the backbone of Canada's health care system. During National Nurses Week, let us acknowledge and thank them for the vital role their highly trained skills play in protecting and promoting the health of Canadians in every region.
Allowing nurses a scope of practice concomitant with their skills and training is one sure way to improve access to quality health care across the country. Let us all work to make that a reality.