It is my pleasure to extend my congratulations to the recipients of tonight's awards.
Our productivity and prosperity as a nation depends on the health of our citizens. Our publicly funded health care system is a Canadian competitive advantage. Canadian health researchers play a vital role in strengthening this system. Through their work, they are making Canada's health care system both innovative and cost effective.
The Government of Canada is committed to improving our public system of health care to ensure Canadians receive care when they need it, without regard to their ability to pay. Investing in health research will create an evidence-based and sustainable system that will meet the needs of all Canadians.
I congratulate CIHR and all the award winners on their accomplishments.
Ujjal Dosanjh
Minister of Health
The Honourable Ujjal Dosanjh, Canada's federal Minister of Health, congratulates the award recipients, praises CIHR's achievements as an agency and offers his regrets for not being able to stay for the length of the ceremony.
