April 24, 2003

Health Minister Dave Chomiak today congratulated 351 graduates from the University of Manitoba Faculty of Nursing, the largest graduating class in the faculty’s 60-year history.

"We appreciate the sacrifices made by you and your families during your time in university," said Chomiak. "We are working hard so your reward will be employment in a health care system that appreciates and values your vital contribution to the care of Manitobans."

Chomiak said the size of the graduating class, which will hold its annual pinning ceremony at 10 a.m. tomorrow at Immanuel Pentecostal Church, is evidence the province’s investment in the training, recruitment and retention of nurses is paying dividends.

More than 600 nursing students are expected to graduate in Manitoba this year, nearly a three-fold increase from 1999 when 210 students graduated.

"This success is due in no small part to the efforts of faculty members at Manitoba universities and colleges who have responded to this call for action," said Chomiak.

Last month, Manitoba Health released its three-year progress report on the Manitoba Nursing Strategy and also introduced new initiatives to improve working conditions and respect for nurses including a $700,000 Nursing Security and Safety Fund and a media campaign to enhance the public image of the profession

"We have made substantial progress in dealing with the deficit in the nursing supply that began in the 1990s," Chomiak said. "Many of the challenges of the health system can be addressed by ensuring we have dedicated health professionals to serve Manitobans."

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