MONTRÉAL (QUEBEC), February 2, 2009--The Honourable Pierre Claude Nolin, Senator, acting on behalf of Canada's Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, the Honourable Jim Prentice, unveiled a plaque today commemorating the national historic significance of the Hôpital Notre-Dame's Pavillon Mailloux.
"Pavillon Mailloux testifies to the leading role played by nurses within the medical field at the beginning of the 20th century. The Government of Canada is proud to recognize the exceptional contribution of these women, who not only helped to develop the medical profession, but also advanced the social status of women in this country," Senator Nolin said.
This nurses' residence symbolizes the emergence and recognition of nursing as a profession in the early 20th century. Constructed in 1931 to house lay students from the Hôpital Notre-Dame's school of nursing, the residence was named for the school's founder, Mother Élodie Mailloux of the Grey Nuns, a strong supporter of university-based education for nurses. The students who lived here combined practical nursing alongside the nuns with formal academic training, thus helping to modernize health care in Canada.
"For 400 years now, the contribution of women to the country's health care system has been priceless, Minister Prentice declared. This designation of Pavillon Mailloux as a National Historic Site of Canada commemorates this role in our collective heritage."
The Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, established in 1919, advises the Minister of the Environment on issues relating to sites, people, and events of national historic importance. The presentation of a commemorative plaque represents official recognition of their value for Canadians.
Information:
Mélissa Larose
Communications Advisor
Parks Canada
418-648-4533
Backgrounder associated with this News Release.
Pavillon Mailloux, Hôpital Notre-Dame
