News

Edmonton, AB (July 20, 2012) – The Honourable Tim Uppal, Minister of State (Democratic Reform), visited with researchers at the University of Alberta today where he highlighted how federal investments are helping strengthen healthcare across the country.. Minister Uppal joined other members of the Harper Government who made similar visits with health researchers across the country.

"Our Government is proud to support the outstanding health researchers at the University of Alberta" said Minister Uppal. "I was delighted to meet these researchers and find out how their work is helping to improve the health of people in Alberta and across Canada."

There are more than 10,000 health research projects underway in Canada right now that receive Harper Government funding. Some recent initiatives announced include:

• Pathways to Health Equity for Aboriginal Peoples, in which researchers will partner with aboriginal communities to carry out initiatives linked to suicide reduction and other key health priorities;
• Funding 13 projects to improve the efficiency of front-line healthcare delivery, whose results will be available for provincial and territorial governments to use to strengthen their systems; and 
• Funding for a national transplantation research program.

Minister Uppal met with the following CIHR-supported researchers at the University of Alberta:

• Dr. Arya Sharma is the Scientific Director of the Canadian Obesity Network and his work focuses on evidence-based approaches to managing obese patients.
• Dr. Geoff Ball is a CIHR New Investigator who examines weight management interventions and obesity-related health services for families and children.

"The commitment of CIHR to fund high-quality research in the area of obesity prevention and management is commendable," said Dr. Arya Sharma. "The wide range of funded research questions ranging from fundamental science of nutrient sensing and neurobiology to exercise interventions for school children and pregnant women, clearly reflects the breadth and depth of obesity research happening across Canada."

Federal support for health research primarily flows through its health research investment agency – the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). CIHR supports the best in peer-reviewed health research with the vision of creating a healthier future for Canadians.

"Canadian health researchers across all research disciplines and themes continue to have a significant impact on the country’s international scientific excellence and competitiveness," said Dr. Alain Beaudet, President of CIHR. "At CIHR, we prize the many achievements and contributions our researchers make to resolving pressing health challenges and to improving the health outcomes of patients and supporting a robust and sustainable health care system."

Since 2005-06, the Government has invested $500 million in health research in Alberta through CIHR.