HealthCareCAN is honoured to be recognized as a 2020 Champion of Health Research Advocacy in the organization category of Research Canada’s Leadership in Advocacy award program.
“It’s been a challenging year for everyone”, said Paul-Émile Cloutier, President and CEO of HealthCareCAN. “This award is a testament to our amazing staff who have dedicated their careers to advocating for health and health research in Canada with our esteemed members.”
In early May, HealthCareCAN appeared before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Health to advocate for federal support for the health research community and hospital eligibility for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy program. Just over one week later, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau heeded HealthCareCAN’s call for action and announced $450-million in urgent federal financial support for research staff working in universities and health research institutions shuttered because of COVID-19.
In September, HealthCareCAN also successfully persuaded the federal government to increase the maximum eligibility period for the Canada Research Continuity Emergency Fund (CRCEF) wage subsidy from 12 to 24 weeks. This provides up to $84 million in extended support for research personnel affected by the COVID-19 pandemic at health research institutions and universities.
Building on this work, HealthCareCAN recently facilitated a virtual meeting between Health Minister Patty Hajdu and our members, to discuss topics ranging from concerns over the workload facing frontline healthcare staff, healthcare challenges facing First Nations communities, the importance of maintaining health research collaboration, and the urgent need for federal support for straining healthcare infrastructure.
“HealthCareCAN continues to engage our members on issues ranging from vaccine distribution to leading practices in Indigenous care and workplace mental health and many more,” added Mr. Cloutier. “We look forward to working with our members in the new year to accomplish even more and we thank Research Canada for this exclusive award.
The Research Canada Leadership in Advocacy Award recognizes outstanding champions of health research and health innovation. Recognition of Canadian health research—the kind that attracts the necessary public and political support—often comes from the dedicated and tireless efforts of health research advocates who educate policymakers, the media and the public about the social and economic benefits of health research and its promise of future cures and, importantly, a better quality of life for all Canadians. This year’s winners exemplify this.