GATINEAU, QUEBEC (November 5, 2004) -- The Government of Canada, Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions and the Aboriginal Nurses Association of Canada signed an agreement today to encourage the employment of Aboriginal people in the workplace, particularly in the field of nursing. The agreement was signed by the Honourable Andy Scott, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, Linda Silas, RN, President, Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions and Lisa Dutcher, President, Aboriginal Nurses Association of Canada. "I am very pleased to enter into this partnership agreement as the Government of Canada is committed to improving the healthcare system in Canada," said Minister Scott. "A representative workforce in nursing is beneficial not only to the patients, but by increasing Aboriginal participation in the workforce, all Canadians benefit." Through this agreement, the parties will develop action plans to recruit and retain Aboriginal people in nursing. In addition to promoting new employment and economic opportunities, the parties will identify workplace barriers and link job opportunities to the Aboriginal workforce. "The population of Canada and our patients include Aboriginal people. The nursing workforce should reflect this. The CFNU is an enthusiastic signatory of this historic agreement to promote Aboriginal people in nursing," said Ms. Silas. "In signing this agreement it is the intention that together in partnership we can begin to address some of the recruitment, retention and workplace issues of Aboriginal nurses in the workforce thus resulting in better outcomes for the health and well being of Aboriginal people," said Ms. Dutcher. The Government of Canada, through the Aboriginal Workforce Participation Initiative, promotes employment partnership agreements throughout the country. The initiative is part of the government's commitment to help Aboriginal people build stronger, healthier and more self-reliant communities by increasing their opportunities for good jobs. The track record of the initiative demonstrates its effectiveness at assisting its partners to help Aboriginal people find employment. The Aboriginal Workforce Participation Initiative facilitates the process of equitable participation of Aboriginal people in the Canadian workforce through enhancing awareness, capacity and partnerships between Aboriginal people and all sectors of the economy. - 30 - For more information, please contact: Diane Laursen Media Relations Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (819) 994-2044 Linda Silas, RN, BscN President Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions (613) 526-4661 Lisa Dutcher, RN President Aboriginal Nurses Association of Canada (613) 724-4677 Backgrounders: Backgrounder - Aboriginal Workforce Participation Initiative Backgrounder - The Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions Backgrounder - Aboriginal Nurses Association of Canada
