Government of Yukon
Archives
FOR RELEASE #06-158
June 30, 2006
New Human Resourses Strategy Increases Bursaries For Nurses
WHITEHORSE - Health and Social Services Minister Brad Cathers today announced that the Yukon’s Nursing Education Bursary will be expanded to support four students per year and that the financial assistance will increase from $2,500 annually to $5,000 annually.
“Under the Health Human Resources Strategy, we are expanding the existing Nursing Education Bursary to support four new students each year, instead of two. We’re doubling the financial support as well,” Cathers said.
The Yukon Nursing Education Bursary, introduced in 1999, supports people who live or have lived in the Yukon in pursuing baccalaureate nursing education. So far, the program has supported 14 students.
Changes to the program include an increase in the number of new students accepted annually, from two to four. At any given time, the program could support 16 nursing students. In addition, the financial support increases from $2500 to $5000 per year to a maximum of four years of nursing education.
Expansion of the bursary program is one initiative under the Health Human Resources Strategy, announced by the minister in late March, to address the shortage of health professionals in the Yukon. An estimated $12.7 million over the next five years will be directed towards the strategy.
“This is one component of our work plan to ensure access to primary health care for all Yukoners,” Cathers said. “The department is working on several other initiatives which will be announced as plans can be finalized.”
Applications for this year’s nursing education bursary must be received by July 15. Information and application forms are available at www.hss.gov.yk.ca/programs/nursing, or by calling (867) 667-8324.
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| Contact: | |
| Peter Carr | Pat Living, Communications |
| Cabinet Communications | Health and Social Services |
| (867) 667-8688 | (867) 667-3673 |
| peter.carr@gov.yk.ca | patricia.living@gov.yk.ca |