Government of Canada Commemorates Military Nurses of Canada as a National Historic Event
News Release
November 8, 2017 Regina, Saskatchewan Parks Canada Agency
Canada’s national parks, historic sites and marine conservation areas enable Canadians to experience their rich and varied history in a special way. To celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017, the Government of Canada invites Canadians to experience nature and learn more about our history.
Dr. Jim Miller, Saskatchewan Member of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada (HSMBC), on behalf of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Catherine McKenna, today commemorated the importance of Military Nurses of Canada, an event of national historic significance. The unveiling of the HSMBC plaque was held during the Saskatchewan Legislative Assembly Remembrance Day ceremony in Regina.
The Government of Canada is committed to connecting Canadians to the significant people, places, and events that contributed to our country’s rich diverse heritage. Originally known as the Nursing Sisters when they entered the Canadian Army Medical Corps in 1904, the Military Nurses of Canada were the first women in the British Empire to receive military rank. During the First and Second World Wars, they often worked in difficult conditions and under enemy fire while providing skilled and compassionate nursing care to the sick and wounded.
As Nursing Officers, they helped improve health care in Canada’s overseas conflicts, led the way for women in the armed forces, and enhanced nursing as a respected profession. Hundreds of Canadian military nurses were decorated for their service and dozens died from direct enemy action.
This year also marks the centennial of national historic sites and Parks Canada invites Canadians to discover and be inspired by the stories of the people, places, and events that shaped the Canada of today. We encourage you to learn more about our country’s history, and discover truly Canadian places and stories with Parks Canada.
Quotes
“I am proud that the Military Nurses of Canada are being commemorated today as a national historic event. Often working behind the scenes in capacities that never received official recognition, Canadian military nurses contributed to the defence of Canada by playing a critical role in elevating the level of health care provided to military troops. As we celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation, I encourage all Canadians to take this opportunity to learn more about these inspiring women and their important contribution to our country’s history.”
The Honourable Ralph Goodale,
Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness and Member of Parliament for Regina—Wascana
Quick Facts
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Military nurses first served in a military campaign in Canada during the 1885 North-West Campaign. After the South African War and the First World War, Canadian military nurses took on increasing responsibility and risk, serving close to combat zones in casualty clearing stations and on mobile surgical teams. They administered new techniques such as blood transfusions and antibiotic drugs.
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Nurses also lobbied for and contributed to war remembrance, notably through the Canadian Nurses’ Memorial, which is dedicated to military nurses and nurses in Canadian history. The Nursing Sisters’ Memorial is located in the Hall of Honour in the centre block of the Parliament Buildings in Ottawa.
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The HSMBC plaque for the Military Nurses of Canada will be installed at the War Memorial at the Saskatchewan Legislature
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Created in 1919, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada advises the Minister of Environment and Climate Change regarding the national historic significance of places, people and events that have marked Canada’s history.
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Contacts
Scott Whiting
External Relations Manager
Saskatchewan South Field Unit
Parks Canada
306-975-5814
scott.whiting@pc.gc.ca
Media Relations
Parks Canada Agency
855-862-1812
pc.media@pc.gc.ca