Sydney, Nova Scotia, July 9, 2007 — The HonourableSenatorGerald Comeau, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, was joined today by Premier Rodney MacDonald of Nova Scotia, to announce $2,235,867 in joint federal-provincial funding and contributions for the New Skills for Nurses project. The project is expected to improve skills development, training and support for nurses.
The Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions will work with the Cape Breton District Health Authority and the Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region to test two distinct approaches to workplace skills development and upgrading, aimed at increasing job satisfaction and retention rates among nurses. The findings from the project will be made available across Canada.
"Canada's New Government is committed to creating the best-educated, most skilled and most flexible workforce in the world," said Senator Comeau. "We are taking action to ensure nurses have the skills they need, to deliver the care that patients need, when they need it."
In Nova Scotia, through the Cape Breton District Health Authority, nurses working in rural or small urban areas will take workplace skills training without having to leave their workplaces, allowing hospitals and health employers to address a critical need without loss of staff.
In Saskatchewan, the Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region will match senior nurses as mentors with new nursing graduates. This would give coaching and leadership experience to senior nurses and increase retention rates for new graduates.
"The New Skills for Nurses project is an example of nurses unions, employers and all levels of government taking concrete action together to solve problems within our public health care system," said Linda Silas, President of the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions. "Strong partnerships to improve health care workplaces are what will make nurses and their patients feel a positive difference in the quality of care."
"Providing opportunities for advanced education and skills training is part and parcel of attracting and retaining quality nurses in Nova Scotia, but in areas with identified needs - such as critical care - it's become a vital element," said Premier MacDonald. "Thankfully, the partners like those here today recognize this and are willing to make these investments, which ultimately result in better health for Nova Scotians. I'd like to congratulate and thank all involved for their leadership and vision."
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This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.
Visit the new HRSDC Web site - www.hrsdc.gc.ca.
For more information (media only):
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
Joe Gillis
Office of the Premier
Province of Nova Scotia
902-497-7263
Linda Silas
President
Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions
613-859 4314
