Canada
On February 20, 1845, Elisabeth Bruyère and three sisters arrived in Bytown, today Ottawa, the capital of Canada.
1845 - 1876: No sooner had they arrived than Elisabeth Bruyère and her companions set to work and opened a school, a hospital, an orphanage and a home for elderly persons. Without delay, they organized home visits, evening classes for mothers, and responded to the many needs of this suffering population.
1877 - 2000: The educational and health care services spread throughout the provinces of Ontario and Québec.
20th century: We opened a hospital in Spirit River, Alberta (1941).
Throughout these years, several sisters served in education and health care with the Cree Indians of James Bay, Fort Albany, Fort George, Moosonee and Attawapiscat.
Throughout the Ontario and Quebec Provinces, we now respond to many of the different needs of the poor, according to our possibilities and resources, promoting the development of their dignity, self-reliance and freedom. Be it malnourished children or those with problems, women victims of violence, prisoners, street youth, people with AIDS, men with drug or alcohol abuse problems, families in need, social response groups, and so on, all of these find their way to our heart.
We continue to work at the service of those who are marginalized and in the mission of education. Our solidarity with our Sister Congregations, with other congregations, or with lay organizations allows us to continue our mission and remain faithful to our initial charism, compassion.
