President's Message

Response to the Speech from the Throne, The Canada We Want

Dr. Alan Bernstein. President, Canadian Institutes of Health Research

Canada's health research community is pleased and excited that the Government of Canada remains committed to supporting health, research and innovation. The Speech from the Throne contains very good news that builds on the work that has already been achieved and sets out a clear vision for the 21st century. In particular, the Throne Speech highlighted:

• long-term investments in health to be outlined in the upcoming federal budget;
• increased funding to the federal granting councils; and
• plans to work with universities to address the issue of indirect costs involved in research.

The Speech from the Throne outlined plans to ensure that children have the best possible start in life and acquire the necessary skills to succeed in a knowledge-based economy. It also highlighted the need to improve the state of health care in our Aboriginal communities, and reduce the gaps in the health of not just our Aboriginal population, but the Canadian population as a whole. As well, it recognized the importance of a healthy environment as it relates to the quality of life for young and old alike. These are all areas that CIHR and its 13 Institutes are addressing through its national health research agenda.

Health research is the keystone of Canada's Innovation Agenda. It is the engine that is fueling our economic growth and has propelled our nation to be a world leader in the fields of life sciences and biotechnology. CIHR is driving innovation by facilitating the commercialization of health research and helping to develop a heath care system built on evidence and a culture of innovation.

CIHR is delivering on the ambitious mandate that was given to us by the Government of Canada, producing health research outcomes that make a difference to Canadians. I am delighted that increased investments in health and health research will stem from today's Speech from the Throne.

For Canada to provide leadership in research, funding increases are critical. They will allow CIHR to train the next generation of health researchers, build research excellence right across Canada, and develop the infrastructure and programs necessary to transform research into action.

These commitments send a clear signal to young people that they have an exciting future pursuing health research in Canada. Increases to CIHR's budget will also allow our 13 institutes to realize their bold strategic plans and in so doing, impact on the health of Canadians.

CIHR has already begun addressing many of the key themes touched on in the Speech from the Throne, including: fetal alcohol syndrome, aboriginal health, environmental impacts on health, the homeless, Canadians who live in rural and northern Canada, a national strategy for health promotion, creating opportunities for young Canadians, commercialization of university research, increased emphasis on palliative care and a national framework for research on living human subjects.

The Government of Canada has demonstrated its commitment to ensuring quality health care for all Canadians. The Speech from the Throne is a document for the 21st century that will undoubtedly encourage health research to continue to expand and prosper in Canada while strengthening Canada's place on the international stage.

Dr. Alan Bernstein, OC, FRSC