In 1843 congregation of the "Daughters of Charity, Servants of the Poor" was founded in Montreal by Bishop Ignace Bourget and Émilie Gamelin.

In accordance with their mission statement, the Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul seek to empower others, especially the poor and oppressed, to achieve a quality of life in keeping with their human dignity.

[1] The Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul follow their charism of compassionate caring for God's people, especially the most destitute, manifested by service given in a spirit of humility, simplicity and charity.

As they serve with compassion and walk in hope, they trust in the power, the movement and the mystery of Providence in all things.

The first general superior of the Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul was Mother Mary Edward, born Catherine McKinley.