The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence, today issued the following statement:
"Today we celebrate International Nurses Day as part of National Nursing Week. This year's theme for National Nursing Week is '#WeAnswerTheCall.'
"This year's theme is certainly fitting, as Canadian Armed Forces Nursing Officers, civilian nurses, and nurse practitioners continue to answer the call by providing essential support during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most recently, our military nurses have done so by helping to administer COVID-19 vaccines to citizens in Canada's most remote and vulnerable communities, as well as to Canadian Armed Forces members at home and abroad.
"Military nurses have also deployed to Toronto as part of multi-purpose medical assistance teams to support hospitals overwhelmed by COVID-19. Their unwavering commitment and ongoing efforts during this unprecedented time are fully recognized and appreciated.
"I encourage all Canadians to celebrate and thank those in the nursing profession this week and beyond. Our Canadian nurses, including our brave members in uniform, continue working tirelessly and courageously to make a difference during these challenging times. We are eternally grateful for their sacrifice as indispensable members of the Canadian Armed Forces health care system."
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