Acknowledgement of Contribution of Research Hospitals:

We ask that Canada’s Research Hospitals be considered eligible applicants alongside university partners for all new research and infrastructure funding opportunities in recognition of their contribution to short term economic stimulus and the longer term knowledge economy.

Update: In Budget 2016, the Government has expressly acknowledged the importance of research hospitals: “research in Canadian post-secondary institutions and research hospitals creates new insights and leads to the technology breakthroughs of tomorrow…”

Secure Restorative Funding for CIHR:

We ask that the Government support immediate restorative funding for CIHR ($150 million added to A-base budget) plus one-time only transition funding of $50 million to secure support for researchers.

Update: In Budget 2016, the Government allocates $30 Million per year and ongoing to the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) for 2016-17 (added to the $15 Million per year promised in Budget 2015 for a total of $45 Million).

Eligibility for Infrastructure Support:

We ask that hospitals be allowed to compete for funding under the proposed Infrastructure Fund (specifically physical infrastructure and energy retrofits).

Update: In Budget 2016, the Government allocates $2 Billion over three years starting in 2016-2017 for a new time limited post-secondary institutions strategic investment fund that will support 50% of the eligible costs of infrastructure projects at post-secondary institutions and affiliated research and commercialization organizations, in collaboration with provinces and territories.

For more information, members are referred to HealthCareCAN’s “The Morning After: Highlights of Federal Budget 2016”. Non-members interested in this document are asked to please contact Colleen Galasso at cgalasso@healthcarecan.ca.

Secure Restorative Funding for CIHR:

We ask that $150 M be added to the A-base budget over five years to restore Canada’s competitiveness in health research in light of neglect since 2010.

Update: In Budget 2017, there was no additional funding for CIHR, which was likely due to the fact that Government is awaiting the release of the Science Review, the installment of the Chief Science Advisor and the appointment of a new CIHR President before committing additional funding. HealthCareCAN will seek to rectify this situation in the fall Economic Update.

Provide Direct Eligibility for Infrastructure and Innovation Support:

We ask that Government allow research hospitals to compete directly for funds; crucial to green, public safety, infrastructure Plans.

Update: In Budget 2017, Government has made a commitment in the area of green infrastructure, set a new strategic innovation fund and is allowing strategic procurement and venture capital programs. It is now up to our sector to find opportunities in these funds.

Secure an Innovation Supercluster in the Health and Life Sciences:

We ask that the health and life sciences be supported as one of Canada’s world-leading innovation clusters.

Update: In Budget 2017, Government selected health and biosciences as one of six key areas for Canada’s innovation and skills plan, and committed to establishing a health and life sciences sector table.

For more information, members are referred to HealthCareCAN’s “The Morning After: Highlights of Federal Budget 2017”. Non-members interested in this document are asked to please contact Colleen Galasso at cgalasso@healthcarecan.ca.

National/federal policy/funding framework for research hospitals:

Allowing the federal government to optimize the role of research hospitals nationally and globally while fostering their sustainability (tax policy, research, innovation, infrastructure, environment, heritage, etc.).