This enactment designates May 1 as “National Physicians’ Day”.

Preamble

Whereas, throughout Canada’s history, physicians have played not only a vital role in caring for patients, but also in increasing the life expectancy and well-being of all Canadians from coast to coast to coast;

Whereas medical students, residents, and practising and retired physicians are an inherent and essential component of Canada’s health care system — one of Canada’s most cherished social programs;

Whereas the medical achievements of Canada’s physicians, including innovations in stem cell research, the discovery of insulin, and world-leading medical technologies are merely a fraction of what the medical profession in Canada has done and will do to improve the health of Canadians;

Whereas declaring a day as National Physicians’ Day would provide an opportunity for patients and all Canadians to show their appreciation to and recognition of the more than 125,000 physicians, residents and medical students across the country;

Whereas the first of May — which is the birthday of Dr. Emily Stowe, the first woman to practise medicine in Canada — has already been declared Doctors’ Day in Ontario and Nova Scotia;

And whereas a national day of recognition for the extraordinary contributions and sacrifices of all of Canada’s physicians is long overdue;

Now, therefore, Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate and House of Commons of Canada, enacts as follows: