Bill C-608

2nd Session, 41st Parliament,

62-63 Elizabeth II, 2013-2014

house of commons of canada

BILL C-608

An Act respecting a National Day of the Midwife

Whereas midwives and midwifery services are a vital part of the maternity care system in all provinces and territories of Canada;

Whereas midwives play an important role in ensuring a continuum of essential care throughout pregnancy, birth and beyond for the health and welfare of mothers, newborns and infants by providing safe, accessible and cost-effective services and quality health care;

Whereas midwives are key to decreasing infant mortality and morbidity across Canada including in rural or remote communities, and in Aboriginal communities;

Whereas the International Day of the Midwife on May 5 of every year provides us with an opportunity to recognize and acknowledge the dedication of midwives across the globe;

And whereas declaring May 5 as National Day of the Midwife will increase public awareness of the contribution of midwives to maternal, newborn and infant care and welfare;

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

SHORT TITLE

1. This Act may be cited as the National Day of the Midwife Act.

NATIONAL DAY OF THE MIDWIFE

2. Throughout Canada, in each and every year, the 5th day of May is to be known as “National Day of the Midwife”.

3. For greater certainty, National Day of the Midwife is not a legal holiday or a non-juridical day.

COMING INTO FORCE

4. This Act comes into force 30 days after the day on which it receives royal assent.