OTTAWA — Her Excellency Sharon Johnston will host the round table Taking Action to Improve the Health and Healing of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Families and Communities, at Rideau Hall, on Tuesday, March 27, 2012, from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m.
“David and I have travelled to every province and territory, and we have seen many successful initiatives in our Aboriginal communities. This fills us with hope and optimism for the future,” says Her Excellency. “But no amount of optimism will resolve all the problems faced by our Aboriginal families. Education and health are the cornerstones of sustainable well-being for these communities and families.”
His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, will offer a few words of welcome. Her Excellency will then share some personal experiences and explain why the well-being of First Nations, Inuit and Métis families is a matter close to her heart.
The event is held in partnership with the Canadian Nurses Association and its National Expert Commission (NEC). Ms. Maureen McTeer and Ms. Marlene Smadu, co-chairs of the NEC, will also address the participants.
The discussions will focus primarily on three parameters of Aboriginal health: societal needs, chronic diseases, and the physical and spiritual well-being of children and families.
About the National Expert Commission
The Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) launched its first National Expert Commission in May 2011, to examine how the practice, experience, knowledge and research expertise of the nursing profession can guide and inform policy decisions about the future shape and sustainability of Canada’s health-care system. In June, the Commission will publish a report with recommendations about optimizing nursing contributions to the health-care system. For more information, visit www.cna-aiic.ca/expertcommission.
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The opening and closing remarks will be open to media. Media wishing to cover the event must arrive via the Princess Anne Entrance no later than 8:15 a.m. for the opening remarks, and by 3:15 p.m. for the closing remarks.
Media information:
Julie Rocheleau
Rideau Hall Press Office
613-998-7280
julie.rocheleau@gg.ca
For more information about the National Expert Commission:
Lisa Robertson
613-739-7032
lrobertson@hillbrooke.ca
Susan Wright
613-730-2020
susan@suzwright.com
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