In this time of fiscal restraint, the Government of Canada has recognized the importance of health research, as well as the social and economic dividends of that research, with a $39M increase in CIHR's budget announced in the 2004 federal budget. This brings CIHR's budget to $662M, an increase of 6.4% over the last year.
In addition to the increased investment in CIHR, the Government announced a number of investments relating to research that will help to further strengthen Canada's research enterprise. These include:
CIHR supports the Government's plan to establish a new Canada Public Health Agency, including new investments related to the development of vaccines and treatments. This agency will play a key role in strengthening our nation's public health system. As stressed in recent reports related to the SARS outbreak and Canada's public health system, CIHR and health research play a key role in public health.
Yesterday's announcement will not allow us to fund all the excellent opportunities for health research and innovation across the country. CIHR's Governing Council will be meeting to discuss how this new funding will be allocated to our programs. I hope to post on our website next week the decisions made in this regard.
Over the past several months, CIHR, along with its stakeholders and partners, have engaged in a concerted effort to raise awareness of the importance of health research and of the budgetary pressures we face. Given the Prime Minister's strong support and interest in research and development, the outlook for future investments in health research looks promising.
I believe that our Government understands that health research is key to building a sustainable and innovative health care system and knowledge-based economy. As Finance Minister Ralph Goodale said in his budget speech, "To be successful, a 21st century economy must be powered by ideas, imagination and innovation."
I urge all of us involved in health research to tell Canadians about the great work going on across Canada and the importance of sustaining and increasing future investments in health research for the benefit of all Canadians.
Alan Bernstein, OC, PhD, FRSC
President
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
