Government of Canada announces a $145M investment in innovative health research
News Release
Ontario researchers receive funding for cutting-edge research projects to study mental health, multiple sclerosis, Indigenous health, and more.
January 24, 2018 – Hamilton, Ontario – Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Today, while touring the research facilities at McMaster University, on behalf of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Health, Filomena Tassi, Member of Parliament for Hamilton West – Ancaster – Dundas highlighted a federal investment of $372 million to support hundreds of health researchers, from coast to coast. This support, through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, will help Canadian researchers study the full spectrum of health issues affecting the lives of Canadians.
While visiting the university, MP Tassi highlighted the $145 million in funding that will go to researchers in Ontario, and the $19 million that will go to research at McMaster University.
MP Tassi highlighted the work of Dr. Michelle Kho, a researcher at McMaster University who studies critically ill patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). These are the sickest patients in hospital, and need advanced life support. People who survive their critical illness are typically very weak. Over half of them have severe leg weakness impairing their quality of life for up to five years. Dr. Kho’s team uses a special bicycle that attaches to the hospital bed, allowing patients on life support to gently exercise their legs in the ICU. She will receive $1.98 million to support her research.
Another researcher featured today, Dr. Gregory Steinberg, recently won the CIHR Gold Leaf Prize for Outstanding Achievements by an Early Career Investigator. Dr. Steinberg is working to address obesity, which is an important risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and some cancers. Dr. Steinberg’s team will receive $950,000 in federal support.
Other announcements are happening across the country to highlight the diversity and strength of Canada’s health research community. The total amount of funding announced by Minister Petitpas Taylor is $372 million.
Quotes
“Our Government is fully committed to taking concrete action when it comes to the health and wellbeing of all Canadians. This investment will fund research that will lead to new treatments, breakthroughs, and fundamental advances in health science. We are proud of our researchers, and will continue to support them in their efforts to help keep Canadians healthy and continue their research right here at home.”
Ginette Petitpas Taylor
Minister of Health
“This $372 million represents an enormous investment in health research for the science community and benefits all of Canada. Through these grants, CIHR is supporting researchers at all career stages, across the entire country, and in all areas of health research. Our investigators have made Canada a global leader in health research.”
Dr. Roderick R. McInnes, CM, O.Ont, MD, PhD, FRSC
Acting President, Canadian Institutes of Health Research
“Thank you to all the researchers being funded today for your hard work and commitment to improving the health of your fellow citizens and the quality of the Canadian health care system. The people of Ontario are grateful for your research, which has the power to change lives.”
Filomena Tassi
Member of Parliament for Hamilton West – Ancaster – Dundas
“This significant investment by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research will help McMaster researchers address many of today’s pressing health issues from antibiotic resistance and obesity to opioid addiction. Health research at McMaster benefits people here in Ontario and Canada, as well as around the globe as we work towards fostering a brighter world.”
Dr. Patrick Deane
President and Vice-Chancellor, McMaster University
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Contacts
Thierry Bélair
Office of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor
Minister of Health
613-957-0200
Media Relations
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
613-941-4563
mediarelations@cihr-irsc.gc.ca
At the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) we know that research has the power to change lives. As Canada's health research investment agency, we collaborate with partners and researchers to support the discoveries and innovations that improve our health and strengthen our health care system.
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