Message from the Minister of Health - Women's History Month - October 2016

October is Women’s History Month in Canada, a time to recognize the women who have helped shape our lives and our country. This month is particularly special for me as it gives me a chance to highlight the women who work in the fields of health and sciences in Canada, past and present.

Canada’s history includes pre-eminent women who stand out as medical pioneers—women like:

• Jeanne Mance, who in 1645, as Canada’s first lay nurse, opened Hôtel-Dieu in Montreal, one of the first hospitals in Canada, and who is recognized as a co-founder of the city of Montreal;
• Dr. Emily Stowe and Jennie Trout, who, in the 19^th century, successfully fought for access to medical training and practice in Canada for women; and
• The Honourable Judy LaMarsh, who, in the 1960s, was appointed Canada’s first female Minister of National Health and Welfare.

Without these women and their efforts in breaking down barriers, future generations of women, including me, would not have been able to make significant strides in attaining positions of leadership in health care, science and politics.

Women’s History Month also gives me the chance to reflect on the inspirational stories I hear from Canadians every day. I recently met Sandra Chapman, who began her nursing career as a cadet nurse in 1964. After retiring, Sandra embarked on an adventure to the North, spending one year as a nurse in Kashechewan. She later moved to Kitchenuhmaykoosib, or Big Trout Lake, where she has worked for the last 10 years developing healthy lifestyle programs and participating in many community events as the coordinator of the pre-natal program.

I’m truly grateful to follow in the footsteps of great women from Canada’s medical, scientific and political history, and to serve as a leader and mentor with so many talented women in the health field. This month, please join me and others across the country by sharing your personal stories of women who have inspired you, past and present, on social media with the hashtag #BecauseOfHer.

The Honourable Jane Philpott, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Health