Oct. 17, 2024 (Ottawa) – HealthCareCAN is pleased to see many of the recommendations it has advanced based on member input reflected in the Canada Research Coordinating Committee’s What We Heard report on modernizing the federal research support and the creation of the new capstone organization, and is keen to see the report now drive meaningful action.

“HealthCareCAN is encouraged to see the emphasis on maintaining strong ties between the capstone organization and the health portfolio, including by ensuring representation from the health research community across the capstone structure,” said Paul-Émile Cloutier, president and CEO of HealthCareCAN.

In its submission on the creation of a new capstone research funding organization, HealthCareCAN’s recommendations focus on the principles needed to drive the reorganization of the federal research support system and the creation of the capstone organization, as well as the risks to be mitigated, guaranteeing representation from the health research community and a smooth transition. Highlights from the report that further reflect these recommendations include:

• Preserving the budgets of the granting councils and enhancing support for investigator-initiated research, while identifying the need for dedicated support for mission-driven research and the capstone organization.
• Recognizing the important role that health research institutes and healthcare organizations play in research and innovation and acknowledging their close ties to and impact on communities.
• Underscoring that health research institutes and healthcare organizations be considered eligible for federal research and innovation funding.
• Creating the opportunity to examine federal support for research infrastructure and the development of digital tools that enable researchers to collaborate and share data.

“This report is another clear signal to the federal government that the health research community stands united in its call for a strategic vision, greater coordination and increased support for research,” said Dr. Robert McMaster, chair of HealthCareCAN’s Board of Directors. “I am optimistic that the increased coordination, support and strong leadership proposed in the report will improve Canada’s competitiveness, spur new discoveries and treatments that will improve health outcomes and the healthcare system across the country.

HealthCareCAN’s recently published National Vision to Transform Research in Canada contains important objectives to be considered in building and implementing the new capstone organization. We are eager to work with the federal government to make sure this vision and the commitments made in the 2024 federal budget are implemented quickly and position Canada as the global leader in health research and innovation it deserves to be. It’s time for the real work to begin.

-30-

About HealthCareCAN:

HealthCareCAN is the national voice of action for hospitals, health authorities, healthcare and health research organizations across Canada. We advocate in support of health research and innovation; to enhance access to high-quality health services for Canadians; and we empower health professionals through our best-in-class learning programs.

Media contact:

Alexandria Rowe, Communications and Member Services Specialist
arowe@healthcarecan.ca  |  855-236-0213/613-241-8005 ext. 221