Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.

I would first like to thank the hon. members of the Standing Committee on Health for taking the time today to study my bill, Bill C-608, An Act respecting a National Day of the Midwife. I would also like to thank the many midwives who worked with me on this matter.

The reality of midwifery is quite different from coast to coast, be it in the heart of the Northwest Territories or in downtown Toronto. Their openness and generosity have enabled me to better understand their world and the impact their work has on our society. My special thanks go to the Canadian Association of Midwives, the National Aboriginal Council of Midwives and the Ordre des sages-femmes du Québec for their contribution.

Last fall, the House of Commons was unanimously in favour of the bill. As parliamentarians, we were able to show our support for Canadian midwives and our commitment to recognizing May 5 as the National Day of the Midwife.

As you can see, the title of Bill C-608 really reflects its intent: recognizing midwifery by designating May 5 as the National Day of the Midwife.

The World Health Organization introduced the International Day of the Midwife in 1992. That day is recognized in a number of countries around the world. That is why May 5 has been kept as the date for the National Day of the Midwife.

Whether here or abroad, the work of midwives is needed to keep mothers and children healthy. Although the number of midwives is going up every year in Canada, less than 5% of the population has access to their services, which is not enough to meet the demand.

The situation is even more desperate in aboriginal or remote communities, where giving birth is completely different from the reality of big cities. The presence of midwives in remote areas helps communities reconnect with the ancestral practices they hold dear.

It is also important to point out that Canadian midwives are recognized internationally for the quality of their work. We can be very proud of them.

I sincerely believe that the main thing here is to highlight the invaluable work that midwives accomplish daily. That is why I brought forward Bill C-608.

I will be pleased to answer any questions members of the committee may have.

Thank you.

Rosane Doré Lefebvre

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