March 20, 2012
For immediate release
Factsheet: Harper Government funds research project: The Nature of Nursing Practice in Rural and Remote Canada II
Prince George, British Columbia — Bob Zimmer, Member of Parliament for Prince George — Peace River, on behalf of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, announced today funding for a research project to improve access to quality nursing services in rural and remote Canada, including First Nations communities.
"I am pleased that work being done here in Prince George will have an impact across Canada," said Mr Zimmer. "This investment by our government will help lead to better access to nursing services in rural and remote communities. It will go along way in helping families across our country who live beyond urban areas."
The University of Northern British Columbia will lead the project. The initiative will build on work from previous research and will support improved health human resources planning, especially for sparsely populated communities.
"This federal government funding will go towards a much needed project" says Dr Martha MacLeod, PhD, RN, Professor and Chair in the School of Nursing at the University of Northern British Columbia. "It will help us better understand the spectrum of nurses working in rural and remote Canada, and provide a clearer picture of what these nurses do and how they support their communities."
The study will give us a better understanding of the changes in the roles of health care professionals who provide services in rural and remote communities. Findings will aid policy development on the practice, recruitment, retention and education of all nurses in rural and remote Canada, including Aboriginal nurses who practice in Inuit and First Nations communities.
The initiative affirms the Government's commitment to transform the health care system by working with provinces, territories and health care professionals to improve access for all Canadians to quality care.
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Media Enquiries:
Health Canada
(613) 957-2983
Cailin Rodgers
Office of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq
Federal Minister of Health
(613) 957-0200
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1-866 225-0709
