Government of Canada Celebrates the Historical Significance of Ethel Johns

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, Jul 07 (MARKET WIRE) --
The Honourable Jim Prentice, Canada's Environment Minister and Minister
responsible for Parks Canada, today celebrated the national historic
significance of Ethel Johns, whom he designated a National Historic
Person of Canada, on the recommendation of the Historic Sites and
Monuments Board of Canada.

"Our Government is pleased and honoured to commemorate Ethel Johns," said
Minister Prentice. "Johns' contribution to nursing and achievements in
advancing the role of women in education and the workplace is something
of which all Canadians can be proud."

"Ethel Johns became the first director of the Department of Nursing at
the University of British Columbia," said the Honourable Stockwell Day,
Minister of International Trade, Minister for the Asia Pacific Gateway
and Regional Minister for the Province of B.C. "Her professional path was
exceptional. From 1919 to 1925, she successfully established the first
university degree program in nursing in Canada, thus laying the
groundwork for the future of nursing education in Canada in the 20th
century."

"The B.C. History of Nursing Society, along with the University of
British Columbia School of Nursing, is thrilled to learn of the
designation of Ethel Johns, whose extraordinary pioneering efforts in
nursing education, international nursing, and nursing journalism marked
her as an outstanding Canadian figure", said Kathy Murphy, president of
the BC History of Nursing Society. "Her drive to improve education for
women and nurses led to the establishment of the first nursing degree
program in the British Empire at the University of British Columbia for
which we are truly grateful."

Johns was a leader in the nursing field at a time when nurses were
considered subservient to the medical profession. Her strong steady voice
inspired confidence in the local nursing community, her crucial role in
the introduction of university training established new standards and
expectations in Canada and her participation in prestigious nursing
projects abroad promoted the spirit of nursing on an international level.

Parks Canada works to ensure that Canada's historic and natural heritage
is presented and protected for the enjoyment, education, appreciation and
inspired discovery of all Canadians, today and in the future.

Also available on the Internet at www.pc.gc.ca under Media room.

Contacts:
Parks Canada
Alison Manley
Manager, External Relations, Coastal BC Field Unit
604-666-5749

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