Budget 2006 includes an increase of $17 million per year in CIHR's base budget. While this increase is welcome, it unfortunately means that our unallocated funds for 2006-07 will be fewer than in previous years. Over the coming days, I will be discussing the implications of Budget 2006 with our Scientific Directors and members of Governing Council. We remain committed, however, to supporting excellence in health research through our open operating grants competitions and the strategic initiatives of our 13 Institutes.
I will be communicating again with the research community once Governing Council has had the opportunity to have its discussions. At that time I will be able to inform everyone of the impact of Budget 2006 on existing and planned funding opportunities.
CIHR is also pleased that the government has recognized the important role of health research in cancer control and in preparing for a potential influenza pandemic. In the case of the latter, the government has committed $21.5 million over the next five years for research in this critical area.
As the government moves forward in developing and implementing its agenda, we will work with Parliamentarians and decision makers to ensure that they recognize the centrality of health research as a key strategy in meeting its social, health and economic agendas.
Dr. Alan Bernstein, O.C., FRSC
President
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
