I rise in this Honourable House to note that each year on May 12 � the anniversary of Florence Nightingale�s birthday � health facilities and agencies, community health organizations and public health units join together to celebrate the contributions of public health and public health workers supporting the optimal health of Canadians. This day is known as Canada Health Day.

This year, Newfoundland and Labrador joins other Canadian provinces and territories in acknowledging this important day and the progress we have made in improving the health of Canadians over the last century.

Collectively, we have made major advances in life expectancy, overall health and well-being and quality of life. These improvements would not have happened without vital public health initiatives such as vaccine production, clean water, pasteurization and better living conditions.

This year�s theme, Canadians Taking Care of their Health, recognizes how public health and public health professionals in Canada have helped empower individuals to take care of themselves, their families and communities.

Our government, in conjunction with our regional health authorities, remains committed to initiatives which benefit the health and well-being of the people of our province. From our progressive smoke-free initiatives, to the introduction of new and effective vaccines for children and youth, our promotion of infection prevention measures and an investment of $4.1 million annually for our Provincial Wellness Plan, we are placing a strong focus on supporting our residents in living healthy lives.

Our government has also significantly increased funding for health and community services to help enhance health outcomes for individuals. In Budget 2009, we invested a record $2.6 billion to further support the regional health authorities in the delivery of quality health care services and programs across the province. As part of that funding, $3.9 million has been allocated to add new drugs to our provincial formulary; $35 million to improve long term care services and $21.4 million investment to further enhance laboratory services, cancer care and health information management in the province.

Our four regional health authorities have teamed up this year to mark Canada Health Day by producing ribbons for the public which are being distributed to staff and clients, patients and residents today. Wearing the ribbons signifies that all employees working with the health authorities throughout the province are working diligently to achieve the same vision � Healthy People, Healthy Communities.

I encourage my fellow colleagues to wear a ribbon in recognition of this special occasion and to recognize the tremendous efforts of health care professionals across our province who are working to provide quality care for the people of our province each and every day.