Janet Neilson: Canada’s First Public Health Nurse

1873–1953 
Toronto Necropolis  
Section B, Lot 169  

In 1907, Janet Neilson broke new ground as Toronto’s first official public health nurse, launching a career that would transform community healthcare in Canada. Born in Toronto in 1873, Neilson trained at Toronto General Hospital before joining the city’s Department of Health. Her mission was clear: combat tuberculosis and improve living conditions for vulnerable families.  

Neilson led home visits, school inspections and workplace health checks – practices that became the foundation of modern public health nursing in the city. She taught families preventive care, emphasizing hygiene and nutrition, and advocated tirelessly for systemic reforms. Her leadership helped establish Toronto’s district nursing system, which inspired similar programs nationwide.  

After decades of service, Neilson retired to Collingwood, Ont., where she died in February 1953 at age 79. Her legacy lives on in multiple public health initiatives that prioritize education, prevention and compassion, a testament to how one nurse reshaped the health of a city and a country.  

Sources: 
•  Cabbagetown People – Janet Hamilton Neilson 
•  Wiki Tree – Janet Neilson