May 12th, 2021
May 12th, 2021
On International Nurses Day and to mark Nursing Week 2021, NDP Leader Andrea Horwath issued the following statement:
“This nursing week, my heart is full of gratitude for nurses. Their importance in the lives of all Ontarians is immeasurable, and the pandemic has shone a spotlight on that. But this Nursing Week, more than ever before, I want the government to appreciate and celebrate nurses not just with words, but with actions.
Ontario’s nurses have been called heroes, but the province has denied them the PPE they need. The government has thanked them, then denied them universal paid sick days and automatic WSIB coverage when they get COVID-19 at work. They have been praised for working long, difficult days for months on end, but then denied negotiating rights and workplace protections by the Ford government.
This nursing week, let’s thank, appreciate and celebrate nurses with more than just words.
I’m going to continue to fight for the rights and the health and safety of Ontario’s nurses. They are frontline heroes. Let’s treat them like it.”
On International Nurses Day and to mark Nursing Week 2021, NDP Health critic France Gélinas
issued the following statement:
“Ontario’s nurses have been there for us during the worst of times. Ontarians and the Ontario New Democrats recognize their immense contributions in taking care of Ontarians and their families. Sadly, Doug Ford does not. He has forced nurses to go to court during this pandemic rather than respect the value of their work, and their lives. Nurses deserve far better than this. New Democrats are proud to stand with nurses, and will continue pushing this government for the recognition and the respect nurses deserve.
This year’s Nursing Week theme is Still Standing. Still Strong. Still Proud. A theme that reflects the challenges that nurses have withstood throughout this pandemic, and their remarkable resilience and dedication. During this pandemic, nurses have worked hard each and every day and night, every single shift, month after month. They are exhausted yet they have persevered and continue to care for Ontarians. The courage, professionalism and compassion they display is humbling.
I want to wish every nurse a Happy Nursing week. They are loved, trusted, respected and appreciated by their patients and by the people of Ontario.”