February 27, 2018 (Ottawa) – HealthcareCAN, the national voice of healthcare organizations and hospitals across Canada, applauds the federal government for injecting much needed financial resources in science and research. The government has definitely listened to the science community. This investment recognizes the crucial contribution of research to the prosperity of Canada.
HealthCareCAN is pleased to see investment in investigator-led research – specifically, the announcement of $453 million over 5 years to the Canadian Institutes for Health Research, will begin to turn the much neglected science and research sector around. The emphasis on early career researchers in the form of $84 million is welcome news, and will allow our future generations of scientists to excel in Canada.
“There is no doubt that our health researchers will see this investment as a major step forward in setting and rebuilding our science research capacity,” said Paul-Émile Cloutier, President and CEO of HealthCareCAN. “We hope this is the start of serious investments into a long term national strategy that puts research at the helm of productivity and growth of this country. We must remember that health research, in particular, represents thousands of innovation hubs which can have a major impact on the economy,” he added. “Health research must become a higher priority in the innovation agenda. It is time to recognize that investing in health can be an important driver of economic growth and a major source of innovation,” he concluded.
HealthCareCAN appreciates the announcement for new funding for Indigenous health, opioids, critical infrastructure and cybersecurity. This funding will address some of Canada’s largest gaps in health outcomes and areas of much needed attention.
However, HealthCareCAN is disappointed that the budget did not include the recommendation of the Finance Committee to make research hospitals eligible to apply for infrastructure funding.
HealthCareCAN welcomes the creation of an Advisory Council on the Implementation of National Pharmacare which will benefit patients across Canada. Our sector, the health science centres and health organizations , looks forward to lending its expertise to the plan for implementation of national pharmacare.
Addressing cybersecurity is critical to the safety of patients in healthcare organizations across the country. HealthCareCAN supports the significant federal investment in cybersecurity. HealthCareCAN recently hosted a national cybersecurity summit where it was clearly stated that the healthcare sector is vulnerable. “This is very much a national issue that deserves a great deal of attention. Cyberattacks do not respect borders.” stated Mr. Cloutier.
HealthCareCAN is the national voice of healthcare organizations and hospitals across Canada. We foster informed and continuous, results-oriented discovery and innovation across the continuum of healthcare. We act with others to enhance the health of the people of Canada; to build the capability for high quality care; and to help ensure value for money in publicly financed, healthcare programs.
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Media contact:
Lucie Boileau, Director of Communications, Marketing and Government Relations
lboileau@healthcarecan.dev2.inter-vision.ca
855-236-0213/613-241-8005 x 205 Cell: 613-462-5604
