Harper Government invests in Manitoba health research
Projects to advance knowledge in areas such as Alzheimer’s disease, kidney transplantation and child health services
For immediate release –
2013-05
Winnipeg (March 12, 2013) – Joy Smith, Member of Parliament for Kildonan — St. Paul, on behalf of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, announced today funding for new health research projects in the province of Manitoba. The funding will support researchers working in many areas of interest to Manitobans, including child health services, end of life care, Alzheimer’s disease, kidney transplantation and cancer care.
“Our Government is proud to invest in the excellent work that health researchers are doing in Manitoba, which will ultimately help improve the health of all Canadians,” said MP Smith. “The researchers are working hard to find new therapies, improve health care services, and promote good health.”
MP Smith made the announcement while visiting the site of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) in Winnipeg. The CLSA is a national strategic initiative of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR).
Funding from the Harper Government through CIHR will support 18 new health research projects, covering a wide spectrum of health and health care issues. The projects, which exemplify CIHR’s commitment to health research excellence, will be conducted by researchers affiliated with the University of Manitoba.
The following are examples of the projects funded:
- Dr. Michael Jackson will advance our knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Jackson will aim to better understand how parts of the brain involved with learning and memory are attacked and contribute to the neurodegenerative disorder.
- Dr. Juliet Ho will work toward the prevention or early treatment of kidney transplant rejection with the development of a monitoring test for a rapid diagnosis. Dr. Ho and her team are trying to find less invasive and more convenient ways to detect kidney transplant rejection.
- Dr. Roberta Woodgate will aim to improve health services and support for children and youth.By working closely with decision makers, Dr. Woodgate will study issues of relevance to health system managers, policy makers and healthcare providers in the areas of chronic physical and mental illness, disabilities and access to care.
“Health researchers in Manitoba are making important contributions in many areas of health science and health policy,” said Dr. Alain Beaudet, President of CIHR. “CIHR is committed to working with our partners in the province, including the University of Manitoba and the Manitoba Health Research Council, to continue to support world class research and to engage Manitoba’s health researchers in national and international collaborations focused on making advances in promising new areas of science and improving patient care.”
“I congratulate the health researchers funded today who are innovators and trailblazers in their pursuit of new treatments and knowledge that will benefit all Canadians,” said Dr. Digvir Jayas, Vice-President (Research and International) and Distinguished Professor at the University of Manitoba.
The Harper Government remains focused on four priorities, as outlined by the Prime Minister, that Canadians care most about: their families, the safety of our streets and communities, their pride in being a citizen of this country, and of course, their personal financial security.
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The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is the Government of Canada’s health research investment agency. CIHR’s mission is to create new scientific knowledge and to enable its translation into improved health, more effective health services and products, and a strengthened Canadian health care system. Composed of 13 Institutes, CIHR provides leadership and support to more than 14,100 health researchers and trainees across Canada.
Further Information:
- Cailin Rodgers, Office of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, 613-957-0200
- David Coulombe, CIHR Media Relations, 613-941-4563 Cell: 613-808-7526
- Janine Harasymchuk, University of Manitoba, 204-799-4802
NT3
