Good afternoon. My name is Doris Grinspun and I am the CEO of the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO). With me today is our senior economist, Kim Jarvi. RNAO is the professional association for registered nurses who practise in all roles and sectors in Ontario. Our mandate is to advocate for healthy public policy and for the role of registered nurses in enhancing the health of Ontarians. RNs know from personal experience the impact that budgets have on health, health care, and on the nursing profession; and we appreciate this opportunity to share our views on the 2014 Budget.

Good afternoon. My name is Josephine Santos. I am here today representing the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario, often known as RNAO. I am a registered nurse and the lead manager for RNAO’s work on the prevention of elder abuse. Elder abuse has always been a priority for our association and we appreciate the opportunity to provide feedback to the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights on Bill C-36. Nurses know in the core of our being that no person ever deserves to be abused or neglected. All seniors should be able to live out their final years and enjoy a sense of respect, dignity, safety, and security. And, as individuals and as a society we must deliver on our duty to protect and fully eliminate elder abuse.