MONTREAL, May 8, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - Sanofi Canada is proud to recognize nurses' efforts as part of the Canadian Nurses Association's National Nursing Week (May 6-12). National Nursing Week was first celebrated in 1985 to highlight nurses' contributions to the well-being of the Canadian public. This year's theme, Nurses: a leading force for change, emphasizes the nurse's role as leaders at the forefront effecting change in the quality of health care.

"At Sanofi, we recognize the importance of nurses as a key health care partner," says Jon Fairest, President and CEO, Sanofi Canada. "Their increasing contribution to the health care system is a valuable asset and we want to make sure we acknowledge their efforts as frontline care providers."

To highlight National Nursing Week, Sanofi Canada colleagues in Western Canada look forward to engaging nurses and nurse's assistants locally and recognize tireless efforts of nurses in diabetes clinics, hospitals, offices and working with schools.

"Sanofi is dedicated to working alongside nurses as a true community partner to bring value to the health care system. We are proud to honour the pivotal role that nurses play in primary health care and to thank them for their efforts," says Mr. Fairest.

As part of the continuing efforts to recognize nurses, Sanofi Canada and Sanofi Pasteur took part in other activities to highlight nurses:

On May 1^st, in support of the Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec ( OIIQ), Sanofi Canada presented a Prix Florence award to nurse Hélène Salette for outstanding international work in the field of nursing. The profits of this annual gala are allocated to the Foundation OIIQ. The Foundation OIIQ is dedicated to improving health care and to promoting the nursing profession.

On May 2, Sanofi Canada and Sanofi Pasteur took part in the Canadian Nurses Foundation Nightingale Gala in Toronto, an event celebrating Canada's nurses with proceeds dedicated to the Nursing 4.0 campaign to raise $4 million to fund scholarships and research opportunities for Canadian nurses.

About Sanofi

Sanofi, a global and diversified healthcare leader, discovers, develops and distributes therapeutic solutions focused on patients' needs. Sanofi has core strengths in the field of healthcare with seven growth platforms: diabetes solutions, human vaccines, innovative drugs, consumer healthcare, emerging markets, animal health and the new Genzyme. Sanofi is listed in Paris (EURONEXT: SAN) and in New York (NYSE: SNY).

Sanofi companies in Canada include Sanofi Canada (pharmaceuticals), Sanofi Pasteur (vaccines), Sanofi Consumer Health (health and beauty), Genzyme (rare diseases) and Merial (animal health). Together they employ more than 1,700 people across the country. In 2012 Sanofi companies invested $122 million in R&D in Canada, creating jobs, business and opportunity throughout the country.

Image with caption: "Joanne Kennedy, Director of Communications, Sanofi Canada, presents the Prix Florence award to nurse Hélène Salette. (CNW Group/SANOFI CANADA)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130508_C4694_PHOTO_EN_26509.jpg

Image with caption: "Present at the Nightingale Gala were (from left to right): Nancy Simpson, Director of Communications, Sanofi Pasteur; Terry Skyba, Key Account Manager, Sanofi Pasteur; Pierre Bruneau, Sales representative, Primary Care, Sanofi Canada; Renée Chauvin, Nurse Manager ICU, Queensway Carlton Hospital; Mary Shaw, Canadian Association of Parish Nursing Ministry; Michel Tremblay, Director of Federal Affairs, Sanofi Canada; Jean Burgess, National Sales Director, Oncology, Sanofi Canada; Robert Stephenson, Therapeutic Specialist, Sanofi Canada and Debbie Aylward, Canadian Association of Neonatal Nurses. (CNW Group/SANOFI CANADA)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130508_C4694_PHOTO_EN_26507.jpg

SOURCE: SANOFI CANADA