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FACTS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS
WHO FUNDS SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH IN CANADA?
Canadian government granting agencies, private industry, disease foundations, universities and hospitals, provincial governments, and non-profit organizations all contribute significant funding to CGDN’s research projects and medical research in Canada.
FACT
In 1989 the Canadian government launched the innovative Networks of Centres of Excellence Program (NCE) which has committed approximately $600 million over 10 years to basic research in Canada. In 1999-2000, the NCE’s leveraged more than $70 million in research investments by other groups including private industry.
Goal – to achieve excellence in basic research, train young scientists, and form unique partnerships with industry to translate results into improved health care for Canadians.
FACT
In February 2000, the Canadian government granted $160 million through Industry Canada to a new agency, Genome Canada, in support of genomic research in five regions: British Columbia, prairies, Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada.
Goal - to enable Canada to become a world leader in selected sectors that are of strategic importance to the country.
FACT
On June 7, 2000 the federal government launched the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) with a budget of $360 million in 2000-2001, rising to $477 million in 2001-2002.
Goal – creation of new knowledge and its translation into improved health for Canadians, more effective health services and products, and a strengthened health care system.
FACT
In July 2000, CIHR announced the 13 new multi-disciplinary ‘virtual’ institutes, each dedicated to a specific research focus area, and linking and supporting researchers pursuing common goals. The Institute of Genetics is headed by CGDN scientist Dr. Rod McInnes of Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children.
THERE IS MORE TO THE STORY...
WHO BUILDS THE INFASTRUCTURE?
In 1997, the federal government announced an $800 million commitment to the formation of the Canada Foundation for Innovation, which will leverage $2 billion in new infrastructure funding over four years. This investment should ensure Canadian researchers have the facilities and equipment they need to maintain internationally recognized leading-edge research.
Private industry is a major player in Canada in building research and development facilities. For example, in June 2000, Merck Frosst Canada Inc. announced projects totaling approximately $500 million to expand their Kirkland, Quebec research center, laboratories, and systems.
In 1995, Merck, the province of British Columbia, University of B.C., and B.C.’s Children’s Hospital together committed $40 million over five years to develop a leading-edge research facility focusing on molecular and cell biology and genetics at Vancouver’s new Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics.
Other provincial governments, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies across Canada support medical research. See the CGDN 2001 Annual Report for an example of our funding partners and affiliates.