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Princess margaret cancer centre, publications annually.

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The Princess Margaret (PM) Cancer Centre is the largest integrated cancer research, teaching and treatment centre in Canada. Its research institute, formerly known as the Ontario Cancer Institute (OCI), includes internationally recognized researchers and cutting-edge research infrastructure. The Centre focuses on cancer research across various fields including genomics, informatics, molecular biology, signalling, structural biology, health services and biophysics. PM’s laboratories and facilities are primarily located at the Centre itself (610 University Avenue) and at the Princess Margaret Cancer Research Tower (in the MaRS Centre). PM Cancer Centre’s researchers are grouped into the following programs based on their research:

The Princess Margaret (PM) Cancer Centre is the largest integrated cancer research, teaching and treatment centre in Canada. Its research institute, formerly known as the Ontario Cancer Institute (OCI), includes internationally recognized researchers and cutting-edge research infrastructure. The Centre focuses on cancer research across various fields including genomics, informatics, molecular biology, signalling, structural biology, health services and biophysics. PM’s laboratories and facilities are primarily located at the Centre itself (610 University Avenue) and at the Princess Margaret Cancer Research Tower (in the MaRS Centre). PM Cancer Centre’s researchers are grouped into the following categories based on their research program:

• Cancer Biology and Imaging
• Computational Biology and Medicine
• Genetics and Epigenetics
• Immuno-Oncology
• Protein Structure and Function
• Supportive Care

PMResearch@uhnresearch.ca

Research Directorate, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre 610 University Avenue Toronto, ON M5G 2M9 CANADA

Built on the long tradition of exemplary research expertise, PM Cancer Centre's Cancer Biology and Imaging multidisciplinary program is committed to themes in cell, molecular and mechanistic biology of cancer, molecular pathology, personalized molecular cancer imaging and cancer models. The collaborative nature of the program aims for transforming discoveries and rapid translation through scientific innovation, research integration and clinical implementation.

Scientist, Senior Scientist, Clincian Scientist 

Harding, Shane   (Chair)

Ailles, Laurie

DaCosta, Ralph

Done, Susan

Hakem, Razq

Irish, Jonathan

Kirsch, David

Koritzinsky, Marianne

Lilge, Lothar

Liu, Fei-Fei

Lok, Benjamin

Rottapel, Robert

Stambolic, Vuk

Trudel, Suzanne

Vitkin, Alex

Wilson, Brian C

Wouters, Bradly

Zheng, Gang

Affliate Scientist 

Zacksenhaus, Eldad

Adjunct Scientist 

Nixon, Kevin

Salmena, Leonardo

Emeritus Scientist 

Boyd, Norman

Hedley, David

Rauth, Mike

Staff Scientist

Jonkman, James

The Computional Biology and Medicine Program (CBMP) is home to Scientists and Clinicians interested in computational methods used to aggregate, analyze and share biomedical data for basic, translational and clinical research. By assessing how emerging computational technologies can be leveraged to address scientific and clinical gaps, CMBP will work toward the dissemination of multimodal data and software tools, education regarding their use, alignment with internal and external initiatives, and foster synergies within and across programs .

For more information, visit  https://cbmp.ca/  or contact Paul Brogee (Program Manager; Paul.Brogee@uhnresearch.ca ).

Scientist, Senior Scientist, Clinician Scientist

Hoffman, Michael  (Chair)

Brudno, Michael

Gaiti, Federico

Haibe-Kains, Benjamin

Kumar, Sushant

Liu, Geoffrey 

Pugh, Trevor

Schwartz, Gregory

Seuntjens, Jan

Affiliate Scientist

Bader, Gary

Emeritus Scientist

Minden, Mark

Adjunct Scientist

Moran, Michael

Clinical Champion

Bedard, Philippe

Berlin, Alejandro

Cescon, David

Grant, Robert

Haider, Masoom

Hope, Andrew

Kridel, Robert

Leighl, Natasha 

The Genetics and Epigenetics Program focuses on the fundamental genetic, epigenetic, and genomic mechanisms underlying cancer development, progression, and treatment, with the aim of translating basic research discoveries and new technologies into clinical application. The goals of this program are to align and synergize research within the team, facilitate collaborations between basic research and clinical groups, build genetic and epigenetic platforms and resources, and prepare the team for internal and external grant applications.

Scientist, Senior Scientist, Clinician Scientist 

Lupien, Mathieu  (chair)

Bratman, Scott

De Carvalho, Daniel

He, Housheng (Hansen)

Kim, Raymond

Nguyen, Long

Notta, Faiyaz

Penn, Linda

Shepherd, Frances

Siu, Lillian

Stewart, Keith

Tsao, Ming-Sound

Zadeh, Gelareh

Assistant Scientist

Bunda, Severa

Chen, Eric (Xueyu)

Moghal, Nadeem

Ketela, Troy

Orouji, Elias 

Clinical Champion 

Berman, Hal

Fleshner, Neil

Gallinger, Steven

van der Kwast, Theo

The immune therapy program will make cutting edge contributions to the field of immune-oncology by uncovering novel findings in basic and translational research, as well as learning from patient responses in clinical trials to improve response rates and quality of life. Our goal is also to develop novel technologies and reagents to remain at the forefront of this field.

Hirano, Naoto  (Chair)

Brooks, David

McGaha, Tracy

Ohashi, Pamela

Reedijk, Michael

Affiliate Scientist 

Sacher, Adrian

Paige, Christopher

Staff Scientist 

Nguyen, Linh

Gerbitz, Armin

Saibil, Sam

We aim to understand the molecular "machines" that perform the critical cellular processes impacted in cancer related diseases. Using a variety of cutting-edge technologies to characterize the regulation, structure and function of proteins that drive, or are affected by, cancer, we aim to identify new therapeutic targets and biomarkers, and to develop new tools to target protein functions linked to disease. 

Arrowsmith, Cheryl H  (Chair)

Diamandis, Phedias

Ikura, Mitsuhiko

Kislinger, Thomas

Mazhab-Jafari, Mohammad

Prive, Gilbert G

Raught, Brian

Zarrine-Afsar, Arash

Rose, David

Marshall, Chris

Seabrook, Genevieve

The focus of the Stem Cell Program is the functional interrogation of normal and malignant stem cells at both the clonal and molecular level. Our strategy being to identify genetic and non-genetic drivers that maintain cancer cells in a stem-cell state and thereby sustain tumour growth. The overarching goal of the stem cell program is to translate our discoveries into novel therapeutic strategies designed to target cancer stem cells and as a result improve outcomes for cancer patients.

Hope, Kristin   (Chair)

Chan, Steven

Dick, John E

Keller, Gordon

Khokha, Rama

O'Brien, Catherine Adell

Schimmer, Aaron D

Tikhonova, Anastasia

Wang, Jean C.Y.

Kaufmann, Kerstin

Xie, Stephanie

Burke, Rafa Montenegro

Jones, Courtney

Lechman, Eric R

Tiedemann, Rodger

Jahangiri Tazehkand, Soheil

Iscove, Norman N

The main areas of research for the Supportive Care Program are Psychosocial Oncology, Palliative Care, and Cancer Survivorship and Rehabilitation. These areas overlap and include biopsychosocial, as well as neurocognitive effects of cancer and its treatment on patients and their families across the disease trajectory. These areas are investigated through longitudinal, intervention and implementation research to reduce suffering, optimize functioning and health, and improve quality of life throughout the course of illness.   

Zimmermann, Camilla (Chair)

Alibhai, Shabbir

Edelstein, Kim

Jones, Jennifer M

Li, Madeline

Rodin, Gary M

Bender, Jacqueline

Howell, Doris

Research Breakthroughs & Events

Pm research fact sheet, meet pm research.

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Research Institutes and Centres

Most UBC Department of Medicine research is conducted under the auspices of multiple centres and institutes that are part of UBC or affiliated with it, in collaboration with our health partners and Health Authorities.

Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute ( VCHRI)

VCHRI Associate Dean, Research: Dr. Robert McMaster

VCHRI Signature Contact:  Sybil Zhang

VCHRI Grant Signing

Associated Research Institutes/Centres

• Air Pollution Exposure Lab (APEL)
• Research focus:  consumer-driven clinical research and trials related to arthritis diagnosis, prognosis, prevention, care outcomes and quality of life issues
• Research Focus: Outcomes research in cardiovascular health
• Resources: Refinement of research questions, planning and study design, budget consultation, grant preparation
• Research focus: neuroscience research with focus on promoting neuron survival and functional recovery
• Resources : Peptide synthesis and In Vivo imaging
• Research focus: to accelerate the development of novel therapeutics for patients with neurological disease
• Resources: genetics, computing/statistics and molecular biology, model generation and characterization including behavioral testing, microdialysis, brain slice electrophysiology and neuropharmacology
• Resources: Spectroscopy, Crystallography, Spectometry, netCAD
• Centre for Clinical Epidemiology & Evaluation (C2E2)
• Centre for Hip Health and Mobility (CHHM)
• Research focus: The physical and psychological causes and effects of ovulation disturbances on women’s overall health
• Centre for Respiratory, Cardiac, & Critical Care Medicine
• Research focus: lung disease related to workplace and environmental exposures
• Research focus: Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, ALS, MS, Mental Health and Addiction, Stroke, Neurotrauma
• Research focus: to discover innovative solutions to optimize the outcomes of rehabilitation and improve the lives of those with disabilities and their families
• Research focus: development and translation of more effective strategies promoting prevention of spinal cord injury, functional recovery, and improved quality of life after SCI
• Resources: rehab gym, Access Lab (kitchen, physical activity labs), biomechanical engineering lab, neurophysiology and autonomic research labs
• Research focus: infectious disease, transplant immunology, molecular mechanisms of immune response
• Resources: Cell analysis, gene analysis, protein/lipid analysis
• Research focus: Advancing knowledge of blood disorders and to meet the needs of patients for whom we provide care
• Resources: Hematology cell bank of BC
• Research focus: pulmonary research and on-going clinical drug trials
• Research focus: improving all aspects of life for patients with MS
• Research focus: developing better trial methodologies to improve the lives of people with neurological diseases
• Resources: Consultation on study design and feasibility along with a full range of central MRI analysis services
• Research focus: use of Positron Emission Tomography (PET), and recently with functional fMRI to study the natural history and progression of Parkinson disease, genetic forms of Parkinson, the complications of long-term disease and its therapy and the placebo effect
• Resources: MRI, PET, Electrophysiology
• Resources: performs Electroencephalography (EEG) tests to record the electrical brain activity that occurs with seizures
• Vancouver Prostate Centre (VPC)
• Vancouver Stroke Program (VSP)
• Research Focus: Translational laboratory investigation in the field of aging, mobility, cognition, and mood

Providence Health Care Research Institute ( PHCRI )

PCHRI Associate Dean, Research: Dr. Daryl Knight

PCHRI Signature Contact:  Gwen Sin

PCHRI Grant Signing

• Research Focus: Epidemiology & Population Health, Gender & Sexual Health
• Resources: Routine clinical HIV/AIDS lab services, specialized HIV related testing (including drug resistance and therapeutic drug monitoring)
• Research Focus: Developing blood tests to better predict, diagnose, manage and treat heart, lung, and kidney disease
• Resources: The PROOF Centre’s service arm provides expertise in computation, “-omic” science and biomarker workflow to organizations seeking to discover, develop, and implement blood-based molecular biomarkers in a clinical setting
• The BCCSU is a provincially networked organization with a mandate to develop, help implement, and evaluate evidence-based approaches to substance use and addiction.
• The BCCSU seeks to achieve these goals through integrated activities of its three core functions: research and evaluation, education and training, and clinical care guidance.
• Research Focus: Leading an innovative multidisciplinary program of research, monitoring, evaluation and quality improvement activities to guide health system improvements in the area of substance use
• Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences (CHEOS)
• Centre for Healthy Aging at Providence (CHAP)
• Research focus: Understanding the link between genes and the environment in causing heart, lung, and blood vessel disease
• Resources: Cellular imaging and biophysics core, digital slide scanning, GEM facility, Graphic & Imaging services, Histology, HIC, Info Systems, Molecular Phenotyping and Genotyping, Registry and Biobank, Technology Development
• Centre for Practitioner Renewal (CPR)

Provincial Health Services Authority ( PHSA )

PHSA Associate Dean, Research: Dr. Wyeth Wasserman

PHSA Signature Contact:  Nur Eisma

please note

*Dr. Francois Benard (c/o **Karen Hagan ) signs for BCCA

**Dr. Robert McMaster (c/o *Bryan Wong ) signs for BCCDC

PHSA Grant Signing

• *BC Cancer Agency (BCCA)
• **BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC)
• BC Children's Hospital (BCCH)
• BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services (BCMHSUS)
• BC Provincial Renal Agency (BCPRA)
• BC Transplant (BCT) 
• BC Women's Hospital and Health Centre (BCWH)
• Cardiac Services BC
• Child & Family Research Institute  (CFRI)
• Women's Health Research Institute (WHRI)

Fraser Health Authority ( FHA)

Fha research.

Interior Health Authority ( IHA )

Iha research.

• BC Support Unit - Interior Centre
• Regional Alliance for Rural Health

Southern Medical Program

Vancouver Island Health Authority ( VIHA )

Viha research, island medical program.

Northern Health Authority ( NHA)

Nha research, northern medical program.

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is the Government of Canada's health research investment agency.

CIHR was created in 2000 under the authority of the  Canadian Institutes of Health Research Act . It is an independent agency and is accountable to Parliament through the Minister of Health.

Our 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 health researchers and trainees across Canada.

CIHR is part of the Health Portfolio, which supports the Minister of Health in maintaining and improving the health of Canadians. For more information on the Health Portfolio, visit  Health Canada .

Learn more about CIHR.

Every cell is sexed and every person is gendered.  Sex  and  gender  influence our risk of developing certain diseases, how well we respond to medical treatments, and how often we seek health care. Did you know that in Canada, men typically die younger than women, yet more women struggle with chronic illnesses? Why? These are complicated questions. The more we understand how sex and gender affect health, the more we can improve health and wellbeing for everyone. It starts with better science.

As part of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Institute of Gender and Health is an international leader in fostering research that explores how sex and gender influence health. Through our commitment to knowledge translation, we facilitate the application of these research findings to address pressing health challenges facing men, women, girls, boys and gender diverse people. Our mandate is unique and cuts across all areas of health research.

IGH is more than a funding institute. In our short history, we've built a community of researchers and knowledge users who are integrating sex and gender in their work to spark discovery, innovation and health impact. Exciting breakthroughs prove that this field is advancing - not just in the lab, but also in policy and practice. Yet, there's more to do in order to realize our vision of a world where sex and gender are systematically integrated as key considerations in health research and its application. Under our current strategic plan, we are focused on transforming our health research systems, our research methods, and the outcomes of gender, sex and health research. We are shaping science for a healthier world. The future of gender, sex and health research is full of opportunity. Have you considered the possibilities?

Learn more about IGH.

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Medical Research

Article by Patricia G. Bailey , Judith Miller , Neil R. Morris

Published Online February 1, 2011

Last Edited March 4, 2015

Medical research ranges from fundamental research to clinical and applied technology. Fundamental research involves investigations into biological functions; knowledge thus acquired may then be applied in clinical research to help understand specific diseases and to develop improved treatments, cures and methods of prevention. Applied technologies result from both fundamental and clinical research in the form of vaccines, drugs, instrumentation, diagnostics, prostheses and other health-care products. Physicians, biologists, biochemists, biomedical engineers, chemists, dentists, veterinarians, health economists, nurses, and pharmacists are among the health professionals involved in medical research. The overall objective is the improved diagnosis, treatment, prevention and cure of disease and the delivery of health care to Canadians in the most efficient and economical manner.

The discovery of INSULIN in 1922 by Frederick BANTING , J.J.R. MACLEOD , Charles BEST and James COLLIP stands as the most celebrated event in Canadian medical research history. Its discovery led to the establishment of the SANOFI PASTEUR laboratories (formerly Connaught Laboratories) and the Banting Institute at the University of Toronto.

Since that time, research in Canada has been conducted into areas such as molecular biology, neuroscience, immunology, nutrition and metabolism, biochemistry, reproductive biology, CANCER , behavioural sciences, genetics, cardiology, developmental biology, DENTISTRY , microbiology, pharmacology, OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE , health-care organization, environmental health hazards, and the biology and health of human populations.

Canadian investigators, many of whom are world leaders in their areas, are examining the function and diseases of particular organs and systems such as the skin (dermatology), the blood system (hematology), the kidney (nephrology), the eye (ophthalmology), the ear, nose and throat (otolaryngology), the stomach and intestines (gastroenterology), the endocrine glands (endocrinology), the respiratory system (respirology) and connective tissue disorders.

Current Canadian medical research is addressing a number of key health concerns that range from vaccination to surviving cancer. Microbiologists are developing a new meningitis vaccine through innovative genetic research on mouse animal models that could improve the efficacy of vaccination. Because meningitis symptoms progress rapidly a key issue around vaccination is development of a vaccine that can stop the virus before it infects the patient. Oncologists examine the consequences of surviving cancer treatment on patients. Due to the effects of chemotherapy some people are at greater risk of developing other severe health problems such as heart disease, and tailoring survival strategies by following young cancer patients over the long term will help to improve their chances for a healthy life. Sleep researchers are investigating the connection between a sedentary lifestyle, fluid retention and the development of obstructive sleep apnea. The severity of apnea appears related to the amount of daily sedentary activity a patient engages in, such as sitting. This research could lead to addressing the cause of apnea through a healthier lifestyle, instead of merely treating the symptoms.

The range of accomplishments is impressive. Research in cardiovascular surgery alone has contributed significantly to the overall treatment of blood vessel and HEART DISEASE . Canadians have been responsible for major developments in heart pacemakers, heart-lung machines to oxygenate blood and correct heart defects, and the first coronary care units. Hans SELYE was a world-renowned expert in understanding STRESS , its effects and its management.

International diabetes research was significantly advanced by a group of researchers at the University of Alberta. Led by Dr. James Shapiro, the team developed an innovative technique to transplant pancreatic islet cells into people whose own islet cells had been destroyed by type 1 DIABETES . The technique, called the Edmonton Protocol, has been available for more than 10 years and has treated more than 100 people. The research allowed the patients to live without requiring daily supplemental insulin and significantly advanced the medical knowledge about diabetes and the ultimate potential of genetic research.

In the neurosciences Canadians have made major contributions to the knowledge of the central nervous system and its related diseases. The Montreal Neurological Institute (established in 1934) is an important centre for such research. Its founder, Wilder PENFIELD , not only pioneered the technique of brain-mapping, which is conducive to the better understanding of localized functions of the brain, but also built the MNI into an internationally known training centre.

Research at the MNI has led to improved surgical and nursing techniques for the management of spinal lesions, to the development of electroencephalography (EEG) to treat conditions such as epilepsy, and to a deeper understanding of cognitive and other behavioural changes associated with brain lesions. Noninvasive imaging techniques, such as computerized axial tomography (CAT) and positron emission tomography (PET), in conjunction with a new understanding of neurotransmitters, help researchers understand the way the various parts of the brain and nervous system grow, develop, take on specific tasks, and repair and replenish themselves.

At the University of Western Ontario, Charles Drake has achieved international recognition for developing new techniques for the improved repair and treatment of potentially fatal aneurysms - weakening or ruptures of brain arteries, notably the basilar artery.

The federal government, provincial governments, voluntary agencies and private foundations, industry, business and foreign sources all contribute to the support of biomedical research in Canada, including equipment, operating costs, research training and technical assistance.

Federal Funding Agencies

The CANADIAN INSTITUTES OF HEALTH RESEARCH (CIHR) is the major federal agency responsible for funding health research in Canada. Established by Act of Parliament in April 2000, it consists of 13 institutes that provide partners in the research process. The CIHR was designed to have a comprehensive mandate and the research partners include the funding agencies, researchers and the research institutes. Each health institute has a broad and inclusive focus and sets priorities for research in each topic area. The institutes are led by an advisory board and scientific director as well as the CIHR governing council. The areas covered by the institutes include: Aboriginal people's health, AGING , cancer, circulatory and respiratory health, GENETICS , health services and policy research, infection, musculoskeletal health, diabetes and PUBLIC HEALTH .

The CIHR was developed out of the Medical Research Council of Canada, part of the NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL . The Medical Research Council began as the Associate Committee of Medical Research in 1936, becoming the NRC Division of Medical Research in 1956 and then an autonomous body of NRC in 1960.

The CIHR funds health research and research training in universities, health-care institutions and research institutes. It provides support, on the basis of scientific excellence as determined by national peer review, for research and for training of health-science researchers in the health-science faculties. These include the departments and laboratories of the 17 medical schools, 10 dental schools and 10 pharmacy schools and their affiliated HOSPITALS and institutes across the country.

Health research at CIHR is divided into 4 broad categories: bio-medical; clinical; health services; and social, cultural, environmental and population health research. The CIHR is also responsible for ensuring that the knowledge generated out of health research is translated into findings that reach decision makers, and therefore help to ensure that medical research ultimately works to benefit the health of Canadians.

The CIHR is also mandated to provide researchers with opportunities to participate in international medical research. It cooperates with the CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AGENCY (CIDA), the International Development Research Centre and HEALTH CANADA in research to improve people's health in Canada and the world.

Research into cancer is led by the Institute of Cancer Research, with the Canadian Strategy for Cancer Control (CSCC) responsible for coordinating all cancer research in the country. The CSCC was created in 1999 and involved the establishment of a research alliance from the groups that were formerly in charge of cancer research - the National Cancer Institute of Canada, the Canadian Association of Provincial Cancer Agencies and Health Canada.

The former major Canadian health research initiatives have largely been maintained and expanded on by the CIHR. Canadian research in genetics is now undertaken by the Institute of Genetics encompassing the work of the former Canadian Genome Analysis and Technology program, which was Canada's participation in the international Human Genome Project. CIHR has research initiatives focused on hepatitis C, HIV/AIDS , antimicrobial resistance, and pandemic H1N1 influenza, among others.

Provincial Funding Agencies

Provincial agencies in Alberta, BC, Manitoba, Ontario, Québec and Saskatchewan contribute to medical research and training through such organizations as the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research and le Fonds de la recherche en santé du Québec.

Voluntary Funding Agencies

Voluntary agencies, which are generally "disease-specific," also play a major role in medical research. The National Cancer Institute of Canada and the Canadian Cancer Society integrated in 2009 and created the Canadian Cancer Society Research Institute (CCSRI). The CCSRI ensures that cancer research donations fund the most promising Canadian cancer research.

Research costs such as salary support and capital expenses to construct laboratories and animal-care facilities are generally paid by the institutions where the research is conducted. The institutions receive funds for this purpose through provincial governments and private donations.

Structure of Medical Research

Medical research is highly decentralized in universities and teaching hospitals and their affiliated institutions throughout the provinces. Canada is one of a small minority of countries without significant government laboratories devoted to biomedical research. While this decentralization links research with professional training and health-care delivery, it makes it difficult to define or maintain a national focus for concerted programs, especially as health care and education are provincial responsibilities. However, in 1982 federal and provincial representatives identified several health areas of national concern (cancer, accidents, arthritis and joint disorders, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, maternal and infant health problems, MENTAL HEALTH and respiratory diseases).

In 1983, the federal Cabinet approved a framework for medical research that emphasizes the provision of high-quality training; a balance between basic and applied research, and a balance across regions and disciplines (with special attention to areas of national health concern); and the utilization of new knowledge for improved health care. In 1986 the Medical Research Council of Canada (MRC) adopted an additional objective, to enhance the interaction between researchers in the health sciences and industry by implementing joint university-industry programs. The MRC also placed renewed emphasis on women's health issues and on the inclusion of greater numbers of females in clinical trials, since women traditionally were excluded from clinical trials due to concern over possible effects on monthly hormone cycles and pregnancy.

When the umbrella under which Canadian research is conducted became the CIHR in 2000, the health research mandate was altered to reflect current needs. The research agenda included health services research along with other under-developed areas like population health. In addition, more research has been funded on targeted areas of priority such as diabetes, obesity, aging and infectious diseases. The mandate also expanded to include knowledge translation, whereby the research results can be transformed into policies, practices, services and procedures.

The institutes that comprise the CIHR help determine which medical research studies are conducted in Canada. The institutes fund the Canadian research projects deemed to provide the most benefit to the health of Canadians; the funded topics are myriad.

Issues in Medical Research

Medical research critics claim that advances in medical research have led to little improvement in health status. Some blame this on inadequate communication among workers in the health sector and recommend an increase in the number of clinicians conducting research to improve the introduction of new knowledge into health care and to increase treatment-oriented research. Others charge that the conservative nature of the peer review system precludes progress of innovative science, and they advocate the participation of a greater variety of health professionals in medical research, eg, nurses and pharmacists, who have received less support in Canada than basic and clinical researchers. Canadian researchers and research institutions have worked to improve communication procedures between health-care professionals, and to be more inclusive of the various health professionals in medical research. This has led to a highly diverse group of people working in the field, and is more reflective of the changes in modern Canadian society.

There is also ongoing debate about the appropriate balance between curiosity-driven and targeted research, and between research that is oriented towards costly, technologically sophisticated medical treatments and more broadly based epidemiological and environmental medicine.

Ethics remains a vital issue in health research ( see MEDICAL ETHICS ; BIOETHICS ). The establishment of the CIHR altered the ethical framework for health research in Canada. The MRC helped establish guidelines for the safe and ethical conduct of human experimentation, research with animals and the use of hazardous and infectious agents. However, the guidelines were not law and there was a need to formally address ethics.

The CIHR is mandated by Parliament to adhere to the highest international ethical standards, to apply ethical principles to health research, and to monitor and evaluate ethical issues. Ethics is a shared responsibility among various groups that extend across all levels of the CIHR. The standing committee on ethics identifies emerging ethical issues, while the ethics office develops and implements ethics in research policies. Each institute advisory board has an ethics designate, and the peer review committees that help to determine project funding include a focus on ethics. There is additional support for ethical issues related to research integrity and stem cell research. In addition, the 3 federal research agencies, CIHR, the National Science and Engineering Research Council and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, jointly created the Interagency Advisory Panel on Research Ethics to promote ethical research involving humans in 2001.

International aspects of research are becoming more critical with the increase both in health problems (such as AIDS and pandemic influenza) that face many nations and in multinational studies to examine such problems. New developments, such as cloning and gene identification, present a host of ethical issues. The implications for the misuse of some technologies create what some might view as obstacles to research. The potential uses of cloning have caused the governments of many countries, including Canada, to work toward legislation that will restrict its application. Genetic research, in particular, presents several ethical dilemmas. The ability to identify genomes raises the issues of privacy, confidentiality and autonomy and raises some serious questions for future medical research. Does anyone have the right to genetic information about another individual? Will there be a distinction made between genetic technology for therapeutic purposes and using it to enhance an individual's characteristics? Will such technology change the way we view ourselves and how we define normal/abnormal?

See also HUMAN GENOME PROJECT .

Future of Medical Research

The health-care system in Canada is changing. Developments such as the increased recognition of the contribution of environmental and behavioural factors to mental and physical health, the growing focus on cost containment and the allocation of scarce resources, the significant rise in the number of women in medicine and research, the increased need for chronic-disease care in an aging population, the trend towards home care and away from hospital care, and the increase in hospital-based research institutes have all influenced the nature and extent of medical research.

Many of the discoveries of medical research, such as those that have recently offered new abilities to manipulate genes, to perform in vitro fertilization and embryo experimentation, to transplant organs and to screen for genetic problems, will continue to require excellent research by scientists. However, the growing social and ethical issues raised by such research will necessitate closer co-operation between scientists and the Canadian public. Scientists can help the public understand the implications of new knowledge, and the public needs to exercise its responsibility in guiding the extent, conduct and application of medical research in Canada.

The increase in privatized health-care services across the country will likely influence future medical research. Provincial and federal governments will be challenged in the future to balance the research needs of Canadians against the research wants of corporate profit-based medical care.

Further Reading

Donald Jack, Rogues, Rebels and Geniuses (1981); S.E.D. Shortt, ed, Medicine in Canadian Society (1981); Alison Li, J.B. Collip and the Development of Medical Research in Canada (2003).

External Links

Ebola treatments caught in limbo A brief article on possible roadblocks to generating promising Ebola vaccines. Scroll down for a reference to Canadian involvement in vaccine development. From the scientific journal Nature.

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Canada An authoritative information source about Type I and Type II diabetes. Check out the excellent dietary tips and other recommendations for a healthy lifestyle. Also features a history of diabetes research and a summary of the latest research initiatives.

Recommended

Indigenous peoples' medicine in canada, canada's opioid crisis, indian hospitals in canada.

Best universities for medicine degrees in Canada 2024

Find the best universities for medical degrees in canada with  times higher education ’s world university rankings 2024 data.

Top 5 universities for medicine in Canada 2024

Scroll down for the full list of best universities for medicine in the Canada

When it comes to studying medicine in Canada, most students begin their studies after completing a bachelor’s degree in another field, often one of the biological sciences. Most degrees are four years, but a couple of accelerated options are available for those who want to start working sooner. 

Step into your future: attend our events

The master in medicine (MD), which is offered at most Canadian universities, combines classroom teaching with clinical placements. 

Some medical courses are taught in both English and French and many require an English language test as part of their application process.  

Here are the best universities for medicine in Canada, according to the  Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024.

Best universities for medicine Best universities in the UK for medicine degrees Best universities in the United States for medicine degrees Best universities in Australia for medicine degrees

5. University of Alberta  

Established in 1913, the faculty of medicine and dentistry at the University of Alberta it is one of the oldest medical schools in Western Canada.

It has 20 departments, two faculty divisions, eight research groups and 15 centres and institutes.

There are a range of accredited medical programmes on offer at the faculty, including undergraduate degrees in medicine, radiology and dentistry, and graduate courses with potential research topics spanning the biomedical field, including biomedical engineering, medical microbiology, oncology, psychiatry, medical genetics and many more. 

Notable alumni include Patrick Doyle, who performed the first cochlear implant surgery in Canada in 1982 and Julia Sawatzky, who was recently admitted to the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame for her contributions to the development of the Oxford Covid-19 Government Response Tracker. 

4.  McMaster University

The school of medicine at  McMaster University  was established in 1966 and today offers a variety of programmes in medical education.

The undergraduate medical programme for the MD degree remains competitive and admits just 203 students every year.

The programme is shorter than many other medical degrees at just three years. Students study for 11 months each year, compressing more learning into the timeframe. It’s just one of two medical programmes in Canada – the other is at the  University of Calgary  – that operate an accelerated programme.

The idea behind the innovative approach is that medical students should learn medicine the way that physicians practice medicine. 

The university also doesn’t have any course admissions prerequisites, meaning students from all manner of academic and personal backgrounds study the course. It focuses on small-group learning, and core knowledge is gained via patient presentations rather than lectures about diseases. Throughout their studies, students are encouraged to work with patients, to ensure they graduate with a strong sense of patient orientation.

3.  University of British Columbia

The seven-year MD/PhD programme at the  University of British Columbia  covers research areas including public health, biochemistry, medical genetics and oncology.

Students are expected to have obtained a BSc and have taken the  Medical College Admission Test  before applying. 

They also need an English-language certification if they completed their degree at a university where English is not the primary language. 

The programme, which is not open to international students, focuses on innovation, technology, research and patient-centred care, which allows students to pursue a career as a research scientist or a clinician. 

School leavers have the option of the four-year MD undergraduate programme, which integrates experiential learning programmes such as the Summer Student Research Programme, the Integrated Community Clerkship and the Healthcare Travelling Roadshow. 

What can you do with a medical degree? What can you do with a dentistry degree? What can you do with a nursing degree?

2.  McGill University

One of the core faculties at  McGill University , the faculty of medicine and health sciences was established in 1829 and was the first medical faculty to be established in Canada.

McGill's faculty of medicine has produced three Nobel Prize laureates: Andrew Schally, David H. Hubel and Jack W. Szostak. 

Today, the foundational undergraduate medical programme is the four-year MD, which requires applicants to have a bachelor's degree. The programme follows a similar structure to other medical programmes in that the first two years focus on clinical skills, then the third and fourth years focus on clinical placements across areas including surgery, psychiatry, paediatrics and emergency medicine. 

The faculty awarded the university’s first degree, and the country’s first medical degree, to William Leslie Logie in 1833. Students can find his dissertation, “Medical inaugural dissertation on Cynanche trachealis”, in the McGill Library institutional repository.

1.  University of Toronto

One of Canada’s oldest schools of medical studies, the  University of Toronto ’s faculty of medicine, was founded in 1843.

It’s best known for the unearthing of insulin and stem cells, and it was also the site of the world’s first successful lung transplant. 

The four-year MD (doctor of medicine) is one of the largest undergraduate medical education programmes in Canada. The first two years develop the student’s knowledge in a diverse range of environments, from classrooms and labs to clinical placements. Clinical skills are refined in the last two years of the programme, which are known as a clerkship. 

The university has an alumni network of more than 61,000 healthcare leaders. Its MD programme is partnered with over 30 affiliated clinical teaching sites, which encompasses nine fully affiliated hospitals.

Together with the faculty of medicine, these hospitals and research institutes make up the Toronto Academic Health Science Network, one of the biggest biomedical research, education and clinical care networks in North America.

Top universities in Canada for medical degrees 2024

Click each institution to view its full  World University Rankings 2024  results. 

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Quick reads on Canadian topics

Home › Economics and finance › Federal Funding for Health Research in Canada

Federal Funding for Health Research in Canada

By loprespub on November 22, 2021

Disponible en français.

Sources of Health Research Funding in Canada

Health research refers broadly to all research related to health, health systems or health care delivery. Sources of funding for health research include the federal government, provincial/territorial governments, higher education institutions such as universities, industry, including stakeholder businesses, and non-governmental organizations such as health charities. This HillNote provides an overview of federal sources of funding for health research in Canada.

Sources of Federal Funding in Canada for Health Research

Federal granting bodies.

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is the primary source of federal funding for health research. CIHR provides funding for biomedical, clinical, health system services and population health research. Figure 1 outlines CIHR funding by primary research theme from 1999–2000 to 2020–2021.

Figure 1 – Canadian Institutes of Health Research Funding by Primary Research Theme, 1999–2000 to 2020–2021 ($ millions)

CIHR, through its 13 virtual institutes , has discretion over funding for research projects, which consist of investigator-initiated research and priority-driven research identified by the federal government. The organization also provides funding for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows . Figure 2 shows CIHR funding for health research by funding type between 1999–2000 and 2020–2021.

Figure 2 – Canadian Institutes of Health Research Funding, by Funding Type, 1999–2000 to 2020–2021 ($ millions)

CIHR’s budget increased significantly in 2020–2021 following the increased need for priority-driven research related to the COVID-19 pandemic. CIHR has funded more than 400 COVID-19-related research projects totalling $250 million since March 2020 to develop diagnostics, treatments, public health measures and communication strategies. Specific areas of investment include Indigenous communities’ experience with COVID-19; mental health and substance use during the pandemic; safety in long-term care homes; and prescribing and dispensing guidelines for opioids.

Some of the CIHR budget includes funding envelopes established by the federal government and provided to CIHR for tri-agency programs and for Government of Canada priorities over which CIHR has very limited discretion in allocating.

In February 2021, CIHR released its strategic plan for 2021–2031 . The organization’s focus over that period will be on developing a more inclusive vision for health research in five priority areas:

• advancing research excellence in all its diversity;
• strengthening Canadian health research capacity;
• accelerating the self-determination of Indigenous peoples in health research;
• pursuing health equity through research; and
• integrating evidence in health decisions.

While CIHR is the largest contributor to federal health research funding, there are other federal granting agencies and foundations that also contribute. The tri-agency funding programs include programs run collaboratively by CIHR, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. All three granting agencies focus entirely on funding extramural research (research conducted outside of the agency) defined by their legislated mandates. Two of the largest of these tri-agency programs are the Canada Research Chairs Program and the New Frontiers in Research Fund. A new tri-agency program, the Canada Biomedical Research Fund, is to be launched in 2022–2023 with a budget of $250 million over four years. It will fund high-risk applied research, training and talent development in support of domestic biomanufacturing capacity.

Other Departments and Agencies

The National Research Council Canada (NRC) conducts intramural (research conducted in-house) research within 14 research centres and also participates in some collaborative projects. Several of their research programs relate to health and are primarily carried out at two of its research centres: the Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre (which includes several facilities) and the Medical Devices Research Centre. The NRC also provides small grants for extramural, technology-driven research by small- and medium-sized businesses through its Industrial Research Assistance Program.

The Public Health Agency of Canada’s (PHAC) National Microbiology Laboratory (NML) investigates existing and emerging infectious diseases. NML researches the characteristics of pathogens, including how they are transmitted and ways to detect infection (i.e., diagnostics), and develops treatments and vaccines. PHAC and Health Canada are also involved in intramural research, extramural research in collaboration with external researchers, research conducted by unaffiliated researchers using Health Canada or PHAC premises, and external research that has been contracted out.

The Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF), administered by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, was announced in Budget 2017 to simplify and consolidate existing innovative technology programs. The SIF supports large-scale, transformative and collaborative projects, which include the category of health and biosciences.

Not-for-Profit Corporations

Genome Canada was established in 2000 to fund genomics-related research. The organization co-funds large-scale applied, leading-edge technology and translation research projects through six regional genome centres across the country, with additional funds coming from provincial governments and other stakeholders. Genome Canada provides funding for genomics-related health research and research in the agriculture and agri-food, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture, environment, energy and mining sectors.

The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI), created in 1997, funds research infrastructure such as the laboratories, equipment, buildings and databases required to conduct research. Similar to Genome Canada’s funding, CFI funding is not limited to health and includes a broad range of applications. Budget 2021 announced a new investment of $500 million over four years, beginning in 2021–2022, for CFI to launch the Biosciences Research Infrastructure Fund (BRIF). The BRIF will provide funding in support of post-secondary and research hospital bioscience infrastructure needs.

A Comparison of Spending on Health Research in Canada and Selected Countries

Statistics Canada provides total federal spending on science and technology by socio-economic objectives, one of which is health (see Figure 3). While this data collection does not include health research beyond science and technology, for example health policy research, it does capture most health-related research and development spending.

Figure 3 – Federal Spending on Health-Related Research and Development, 2015–2016 to 2019–2020 ($ millions)

The World Health Organization’s Global Observatory on Health R&D analyzes international data collected by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization to identify health research and development priorities based on public health needs. Figure 4 reveals the amount of annual biomedical research grants provided by the principal public funders of health research in selected jurisdictions. Even after accounting for population differences among countries and regions, the United States (U.S.) is the largest public funder of health research globally. The data also suggest that Canada, in comparison to other countries and regions and taking into account population size, is a major public funder of health research.

Figure 4 – Annual Grants for Biomedical Research by Funder in Selected Jurisdictions, 2018 (US$ millions)

International Collaboration on Health Research

The World RePORT is “an interactive, open-access database and mapping of global research investments from some of the world’s largest biomedical funding organizations” housed at the U.S. National Institutes of Health. A review of the database reveals that many investments involve global collaborations. For example, in 2019, CIHR funded projects involving partnerships across all continents. The proportion of CIHR grants (both in number and funding) with international linkages has been increasing since the organization’s creation in 2000 and now makes up almost 15% of the total number of grants. CIHR explains that international collaboration promotes access for Canadians researchers to international expertise, technologies and facilities, while global health research focuses on topics such as the health implications of globalization, health equity of marginalized populations, neglected conditions affecting disadvantaged populations and transnational health risks and opportunities.

Additional Resources

Canadian Association for Neuroscience, Science Funding in Canada – Statistics , 2020.

Canadian Institutes of Health Research, CIHR COVID-19 Investments: By the Numbers .

Government of Canada, Canada’s Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences Strategy .

Author: Sonya Norris, Library of Parliament

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• Published: December 1998

The Medical Research Council of Canada: Integrating research to Canada's health care system

• Henry G. Friesen 1  

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The Medical Research Council (MRC) of Canada funds health research in Canadian universities, research institutes and teaching hospitals. In this commentary, the MRC's president, Henry G. Friesen, discusses its history, structure, achievements and future goals.

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Clinical trials environment in canada.

Canada captures 4% of global clinical trials, fourth in number of clinical trials sites, and is the G7 leader in clinical trial productivity (number of trials/population). Canada is globally recognized for the quality and expertise of its research clinicians, many of whom are globally recognized for major medical discoveries and innovations, and its ability to conduct clinical research in complex therapeutic areas with diverse population bases.

Strong investments in Canadian clinical trials can be attributed to Canada's world-leading higher education system; its publicly-funded health care system known for quality; its internationally recognized networks and health charities dedicated to clinical trials in areas including cancer, cardiovascular, rheumatology.

Canada's competitiveness in clinical trials is also supported by strong government support in public research infrastructure including over $1 billion investment by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) in health research funding; as well as a world-class contract research sector with extensive capabilities in phase I-IV clinical trials. Canada's extensive network of academic health institutions and research centres, which support clinical research includes 17 medical schools, approximately 40 groupings of academic healthcare organizations and about 15,000 researchers. CIHR has funded more than 400 COVID-19-related research projects totalling $250 million since March 2020 to develop diagnostics, treatments, public health measures and communication strategies

The Government of Canada has also committed funding through the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF), to support research and development, clinical trials, and the manufacturing of vaccines and therapeutic drugs to fight COVID-19. SIF investments in clinical trials include

• In 2021, Canada’s Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) invested $13.44 million in Immune Biosolutions to develop and biomanufacture its promising immunotherapy to treat covid-19 and its variants. This funding will allow the immunotherapy currently in pre-clinical studies to progress to Phase II clinical trials.
• In 2021, SIF invested $14 million in Edesa Biotech as they take their promising treatment for COVID-19 through clinical trials and subsequent approvals.
• In 2020, SIF invested $6.7 million in Arch Biopartners to support a treatment for the worst cases of COVID19. The funding is intended to advance the Phase II of their clinical trials.
• n 2020, SIF invested $173 million in Medicago Inc. to advance their virus-like particle vaccine to treat COVID-19, developed on the company’s unique plant-based production platform, through clinical trials.
• In 2020, SIF invested $56 million in Variation Biotechnologies Inc. (VBI) to support the development of the company’s coronavirus program, VBI-2900, through Phase 2 clinical trials.

All major global pharmaceutical companies conduct a large portion of their clinical trials in Canada. For some of these companies, Canada is the number two or three location globally for clinical trials. In fact, the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry has the second largest Canadian business expenditures in R&D (BERD) expenditures intensity in 2020. As a result of Canada's world class clinical trials environment, leading multi-national pharmaceutical companies have made significant investments in Canadian clinical trial health research. Examples of recent investments at both the academic and industry level include:

• In 2011, Roche Canada invested $190 million to establish a North American clinical trials coordinating centre and development site (one of six world-wide) in Mississauga, Ontario.
• In 2014, Servier Canada invested $17 million to established a centre of excellence in clinical development in Laval, Quebec.
• AstraZeneca Canada was recently designated a global Clinical Hub for oncology and immuno-oncology clinical studies.

In order to improve the competitiveness of Canada's clinical trial environment, Canada continues to work to enhance the conditions for clinical trial in Canada. Major initiatives and supports for clinical trials include:

• $250 million over three years, starting in 2021-22, to increase clinical research capacity through a new CIHR Clinical Trials Fund.
• In January 20, 2021, Canada committed to invest $6 million in the Canadian Network of COVID-19 Clinical Trials Network, which will expand existing national and international clinical trial networks to coordinate research on tools that prevent, detect, manage and treat COVID-19.
• National and regional efforts to make Research Ethics Boards more efficient, including through the development of a national standard in this area.
• The June 4, 2015 launch of the Canadian Clinical Trials Asset Map which aims to market Canada as a leading destination for clinical trials in the global marketplace by providing a comprehensive picture of Canada’s clinical research assets.

Leading globally recognized academic research centres and institutes include:

• Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute (Vancouver, British Columbia)
• Providence Health Care Research Institute (Vancouver, British Columbia)
• University of Alberta Hospital (Edmonton, Alberta)
• The Hospital for Sick Children (Toronto, Ontario)
• Population Health Research Institute (Hamilton, Ontario)
• McGill University Health Centre (Montreal, Quebec)
• BIOTIC (Biomedical Translational Imaging Centre (Halifax, Nova Scotia)
• Stem Cell and Cancer Research Institute (McMaster University–Hamilton, Ontario)
• Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (Université de Montréal–Montréal, Quebec)
• University Health Network (UHN) (Toronto, Ontario)
• Lawson Health Research Institute (London, Ontario)
• Ottawa Heart Institute (Ottawa, Ontario)
• Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital (McGill University–Montréal, Quebec)
• Brain Repair Centre (Halifax, Nova Scotia)
• Sunnybrook Research Institute (Toronto, Ontario)
• BC Cancer Agency (Vancouver, British Colombia)

Research Institutes & Centres

Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael’s Hospital

Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System

Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest

Sunnybrook Research Institute

University Health Network

• Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
• Techna Institute
• Toronto General Research Institute
• Toronto Rehab Institute
• Krembil Research Institute

Women’s College Research Institute

Banting & Best Diabetes Centre (BBDC)

Heart & Stroke, Richard Lewar Centres of Excellence in Cardiovascular

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Best Global Universities for Clinical Medicine in Canada

These are the top universities in Canada for clinical medicine, based on their reputation and research in the field. Read the methodology »

To unlock more data and access tools to help you get into your dream school, sign up for the  U.S. News College Compass !

Here are the best global universities for clinical medicine in Canada

University of toronto, university of british columbia, mcmaster university, mcgill university, university of alberta, universite de montreal, university of calgary, university of ottawa, western university (university of western ontario), dalhousie university.

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• # 4 in Best Universities for Clinical Medicine
• # 18 in Best Global Universities

The University of Toronto is a public institution that was founded in 1827. Around 80 percent of its students study at... Read More

• # 34 in Best Universities for Clinical Medicine
• # 35 in Best Global Universities

The University of British Columbia is a public institution located in the Canadian province of British Columbia. The... Read More

• # 36 in Best Universities for Clinical Medicine  (tie)
• # 138 in Best Global Universities  (tie)

McMaster University is a public institution that was founded in 1887. The Canadian university's main campus is in a... Read More

• # 41 in Best Universities for Clinical Medicine
• # 54 in Best Global Universities

McGill University is a public institution that was founded in 1821 and is located in Quebec, Canada. The university has... Read More

• # 83 in Best Universities for Clinical Medicine
• # 136 in Best Global Universities  (tie)

The University of Alberta is a public institution that was founded in 1908. Located in the province of Alberta in... Read More

• # 88 in Best Universities for Clinical Medicine  (tie)
• # 156 in Best Global Universities  (tie)

The University of Montreal is a public institution that traces its roots back to 1878. Initially a branch of the... Read More

• # 90 in Best Universities for Clinical Medicine  (tie)
• # 175 in Best Global Universities  (tie)
• # 108 in Best Universities for Clinical Medicine  (tie)
• # 215 in Best Global Universities  (tie)
• # 164 in Best Universities for Clinical Medicine  (tie)
• # 300 in Best Global Universities  (tie)
• # 225 in Best Universities for Clinical Medicine  (tie)
• # 314 in Best Global Universities  (tie)

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Gen Z and millennials are the engine of our economy. Everything that is created, built, served, and sold in Canada is increasingly being done by millennials and Gen Z. They’re the young parents, the students doing cutting-edge research, the young entrepreneurs with startup ideas. Canada’s success depends on their success.

To secure Canada’s competitive edge, we need to support and empower tomorrow’s problem solvers and make sure every generation reaches their full potential. That’s why we’re investing in cutting-edge research – to create more good jobs, including in innovation and technology – while making education more affordable.

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today highlighted an over $4.6 billion package of measures from Budget 2024 to strengthen Canadian research and innovation.

Here’s what we’re doing:

Providing $2.6 billion in core research grant funding, scholarships, and fellowships to support our researchers and their ground-breaking discoveries:

• This includes $1.8 billion in core research grant funding for a 30 per cent increase over five years of Canada’s core research grant programs that support faculty-led research projects. It will indirectly support thousands of graduate student and post-doctoral fellows with their research, including their work on climate action, health emergencies, artificial intelligence, and psychological health.
• And $825 million over five years to the granting councils to increase the annual value of master’s and doctoral students’ scholarships to $27,000 and $40,000, respectively, and post-doctoral fellowships to $70,000. To make it easier for students and fellows to access support, the enhanced suite of scholarships and fellowship programs will be streamlined into one talent program. This new program will also increase the number of graduate students and post-doctoral fellows benefiting from research scholarships and fellowships by approximately 1,720 each year.
• This funding will also provide $30 million over three years for Indigenous researchers and their communities, which would be distributed with $10 million each for First Nation, Métis, and Inuit partners.
• To provide better co-ordination across the federally funded research ecosystem, we will bring together our three research funding organizations within a single new capstone research funding organization. The granting councils will continue to exist within this new organization, and continue supporting excellence in investigator-driven research, including linkages with the health portfolio.
• Together, these measures will play a critical role in not only supporting Canadian researchers in solving the world’s greatest challenges – but building a generation of highly educated, highly skilled individuals as a foundation of Canada’s future economic growth and prosperity.

Investing $1.3 billion to keep post-secondary education affordable:

• This funding will extend for an additional year the increase in full-time Canada Student Grants from $3,000 to $4,200 per year, and interest-free Canada Student Loans from $210 to $300 per week. This includes increases to other Canada Student Grants by 40 per cent.
• It will also increase the housing allowances used by the Canada Student Financial Assistance Program when determining financial need, which will provide additional student aid to approximately 79,000 students each year.
• These investments will make sure that our younger generations can access quality post-secondary education at an affordable cost.

Investing $734 million to support Canada’s world-leading research infrastructure and institutes :

• Supporting TRIUMF, Canada’s sub-atomic physics research laboratory, located at the University of British Columbia. This investment will upgrade infrastructure at the facility, keep Canada at the forefront of physics research, and enable new medical breakthroughs and treatments, from drug development to cancer therapy.
• Investing in CANARIE, a national not-for-profit organization that manages Canada’s ultra high-speed network to connect researchers, educators, and innovators.
• Providing funding to Saskatoon-based Canadian Light Source, helping scientists and researchers to continue making breakthroughs in areas ranging from climate-resistant crop development to sustainable mining processes.
• Supporting the Arthur B. McDonald Canadian Astroparticle Physics Research Institute, headquartered at Queen’s University. This funding will help engineers, researchers, and scientists innovate in areas like clean technology and medical imaging.
• Investing in the University of Saskatchewan’s Centre for Pandemic Research, advancing the study of high-risk pathogens to support vaccine and therapeutic development.

These investments will unlock and accelerate economic growth for Canada. We’re creating opportunities, boosting innovation, and accelerating economic growth – and that’s just some of the things that we are proposing in Budget 2024. Alongside these measures, we’re building more homes faster, investing in health care, and making life more affordable to make sure every generation can get ahead.

“Budget 2024 is about ensuring fairness for the next generation. With these historic investments, we’re investing in Canadian students, researchers, and innovators so they can solve the problems of tomorrow. This will unlock massive economic growth and make Canada stronger, fairer, and more prosperous.” The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

“Our government is securing the future of top-tier research and innovation in Canada by investing in younger generations today. This is about fostering homegrown research talent and encouraging Canadian brainpower to scale-up their innovative ideas in Canada ‒ all as part of our work to help younger generations get ahead.” The Hon. Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance

“Today’s research is tomorrow’s economy. That’s why Budget 2024 supports Canadian researchers at the forefront of discovery and innovation as they continue to position Canada as a global leader in science research. These investments reflect the ambition and vision of our next generation of researchers.” The Hon. François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

Quick Facts

• An estimated total cost of $1.1 billion in 2024-25 for the increased student grants and loans, which will be available for the 2024-25 school year.
• An estimated cost of $154.6 million over five years, starting in 2024-25, and $32.3 million per year ongoing to modernize shelter allowances.
• $399.8 million over five years, starting in 2025-26, for TRIUMF.
• $176 million over five years, starting in 2025-26, for CANARIE.
• $83.5 million over three years, starting in 2026-27, for Canadian Light Source.
• $45.5 million over five years, starting in 2024-25, for the Arthur B. McDonald Canadian Astroparticle Physics Research Institute.
• $30 million over three years, starting in 2024-25, for the University of Saskatchewan’s Centre for Pandemic Research at the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization.
• Since 2016, the federal government has committed: more than $16 billion to support scientific discovery, develop Canadian research talent, and attract top researchers from around the planet; and over $2 billion to foster growth across Canada’s AI ecosystem and digital infrastructure.
• Since 2016, the federal government has supported more than 638,000 post-secondary students per year, on average, with more than $38.4 billion in up-front grants and interest-free loans – enabling young Canadians to pursue their education, regardless of their background. To ensure this support keeps up with the cost of an education, the government permanently increased Canada Student Grants by 50 per cent to $3,000. As outlined above, Budget 2024 announced the government’s intention to extend for an additional year the increase in full-time Canada Student Grants from $3,000 to $4,200 per year, and interest-free Canada Student Loans from $210 to $300 per week.
• The Government of Canada’s Budget 2024 was tabled in the House of Commons by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance on April 16, 2024.
• The Strategic Science Fund, which announced the results of its first competition in December 2023, providing support to 24 third-party science and research organizations starting in 2024-25.
• Canada recently concluded negotiations to be an associate member of Horizon Europe, which would enable Canadians to access a broader range of research opportunities under the European program starting this year.
• The steady increase in federal funding for extramural and intramural science and technology by the government, which was 44 per cent higher in 2023 relative to 2015.
• Budget 2024 also includes a $2.4 billion package of measures to accelerate job growth in Canada’s AI sector, boost productivity by helping researchers and businesses develop and adopt AI, and ensure this is done responsibly.  Learn more .

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• Fairness for Every Generation
• Budget 2024: Fairness for Every Generation

Lack of applicants for medical lab sciences program a concern, says Manitoba regulator

Only 32 applicants for 40 spots in rrc polytech program.

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The head of the regulatory body for medical lab technologists in Manitoba says he's concerned about a post-secondary program that has more available seats than applications.

Red River College Polytechnic has only 32 applicants for 40 available spots in the next intake for its medical laboratory sciences program, according to the college.

Adam Chrobak, the registrar and CEO of the College of Medical Lab Technologists of Manitoba, says that's a concern.

"We need absolutely every single graduate that comes out of the Red River program to enter the profession to meet the critical shortages," he said.

It's hard to tell why people aren't applying for these programs, Chrobak said, but he thinks many people don't know or understand what a medical lab technologist does. 

"They work in the lab, they generally look at all of the samples that are coming in, and the reports they issue are critical in health-care providers making decisions on treatment plans and next steps in someone's health-care journey," he said. 

• Union warns patients at risk as 10 of 12 lab technologist positions at Thompson hospital vacant
• More MRI techs needed to combat wait times as burnout figures rise, association says

Rural and remote locations have been hit particularly hard by lab technologist shortages, said Chrobak. It's generally difficult to recruit people to work in rural and remote areas, and a smaller pool of potential employees adds to that challenge, he said. 

In a statement sent to CBC, RRC Polytech said it continues to promote the program and is "looking at more opportunities and solutions to help drive enrolment."

More lab techs in Manitoba now: Shared Health

The western Manitoba municipality of Hamiota, just northwest of Brandon, currently has two full-time lab technologists, said Mayor Randy Lints — but the more immediate concern there right now is getting more doctors.

The municipality has the equivalent of 3.25 full-time doctors, and previously had five, he said.

"If we can get the doctor number back up or even increased from where we were, if you want to say in the good old days, then everything else will go up with that," he said — including more demand for lab technologists.

With more doctors, "we'll have more acute beds, we'll have more lab and X-ray technologists, because we'll have to have it to supplement the workload from the doctors."

• Manitoba's rural emergency departments closed for 80,000 hours in 2023: data

A spokesperson for Shared Health — the body that oversees health-care delivery in the province — said in a statement to CBC News it's concerned the upcoming class allotments in RRC Polytech's program haven't been filled and are working with the college on how it can better support awareness of the program.

Shared Health also said there are more medical lab technologists currently working in Manitoba than there were a year ago, with 50.5 full-time equivalent positions filled as of last month, compared to 48.7 positions in March 2023. 

Ten more positions have been created and posted in the past year, with a number of opportunities for medical lab technologist and medical lab assistant positions available in communities throughout Manitoba, the statement said.

A class of 35 medical lab technologists is currently completing the practicum portion of their studies, with jobs available to them in Manitoba upon their graduation in January, according to Shared Health. 

Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara also said recruitment and retention remains a priority. 

"We're also looking at the training pathways for lab techs. We want to make sure that folks know about the opportunities to get this education, but that the pathways are easier as well," Asagwara said following question period at the Manitoba Legislature on Wednesday.

In the budget it released earlier this month , the NDP government promised $310 million toward its goal of hiring 1,000 new health-care workers over the next year.

• Shared Health cuts some recruitment jobs as part of consolidation

Meanwhile, Chrobak said he'd also like to see more interest and promotion for lab technologist recruitment, especially for students deciding what they'd like to do with their future. 

The profession hasn't been promoted as well as it should be, he said.

"If grads from high school or university don't know about the profession, they're not gonna even consider applying for them, right?"

Corrections

• An earlier version of this story said, based on information from the College of Medical Lab Technologists of Manitoba, that there were only 28 applicants for 40 available spots in the RRC Polytech program. Following publication, RRC Polytech clarified that there are currently 32 applicants. Apr 18, 2024 1:23 PM CT

With files from Emily Brass, Gavin Axelrod and Ian Froese

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9 facts about Americans and marijuana

The use and possession of marijuana is illegal under U.S. federal law, but about three-quarters of states have legalized the drug for medical or recreational purposes. The changing legal landscape has coincided with a decades-long rise in public support for legalization, which a majority of Americans now favor.

Here are nine facts about Americans’ views of and experiences with marijuana, based on Pew Research Center surveys and other sources.

As more states legalize marijuana, Pew Research Center looked at Americans’ opinions on legalization and how these views have changed over time.

Data comes from surveys by the Center,  Gallup , and the  2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health  from the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Information about the jurisdictions where marijuana is legal at the state level comes from the  National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws .

More information about the Center surveys cited in the analysis, including the questions asked and their methodologies, can be found at the links in the text.

Around nine-in-ten Americans say marijuana should be legal for medical or recreational use,  according to a January 2024 Pew Research Center survey . An overwhelming majority of U.S. adults (88%) say either that marijuana should be legal for medical use only (32%) or that it should be legal for medical  and  recreational use (57%). Just 11% say the drug should not be legal in any form. These views have held relatively steady over the past five years.

Views on marijuana legalization differ widely by age, political party, and race and ethnicity, the January survey shows.

While small shares across demographic groups say marijuana should not be legal at all, those least likely to favor it for both medical and recreational use include:

• Older adults: 31% of adults ages 75 and older support marijuana legalization for medical and recreational purposes, compared with half of those ages 65 to 74, the next youngest age category. By contrast, 71% of adults under 30 support legalization for both uses.
• Republicans and GOP-leaning independents: 42% of Republicans favor legalizing marijuana for both uses, compared with 72% of Democrats and Democratic leaners. Ideological differences exist as well: Within both parties, those who are more conservative are less likely to support legalization.
• Hispanic and Asian Americans: 45% in each group support legalizing the drug for medical and recreational use. Larger shares of Black (65%) and White (59%) adults hold this view.

Support for marijuana legalization has increased dramatically over the last two decades. In addition to asking specifically about medical and recreational use of the drug, both the Center and Gallup have asked Americans about legalizing marijuana use in a general way. Gallup asked this question most recently, in 2023. That year, 70% of adults expressed support for legalization, more than double the share who said they favored it in 2000.

Half of U.S. adults (50.3%) say they have ever used marijuana, according to the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health . That is a smaller share than the 84.1% who say they have ever consumed alcohol and the 64.8% who have ever used tobacco products or vaped nicotine.

While many Americans say they have used marijuana in their lifetime, far fewer are current users, according to the same survey. In 2022, 23.0% of adults said they had used the drug in the past year, while 15.9% said they had used it in the past month.

While many Americans say legalizing recreational marijuana has economic and criminal justice benefits, views on these and other impacts vary, the Center’s January survey shows.

• Economic benefits: About half of adults (52%) say that legalizing recreational marijuana is good for local economies, while 17% say it is bad. Another 29% say it has no impact.

• Criminal justice system fairness: 42% of Americans say legalizing marijuana for recreational use makes the criminal justice system fairer, compared with 18% who say it makes the system less fair. About four-in-ten (38%) say it has no impact.
• Use of other drugs: 27% say this policy decreases the use of other drugs like heroin, fentanyl and cocaine, and 29% say it increases it. But the largest share (42%) say it has no effect on other drug use.
• Community safety: 21% say recreational legalization makes communities safer and 34% say it makes them less safe. Another 44% say it doesn’t impact safety.

Democrats and adults under 50 are more likely than Republicans and those in older age groups to say legalizing marijuana has positive impacts in each of these areas.

Most Americans support easing penalties for people with marijuana convictions, an October 2021 Center survey found . Two-thirds of adults say they favor releasing people from prison who are being held for marijuana-related offenses only, including 41% who strongly favor this. And 61% support removing or expunging marijuana-related offenses from people’s criminal records.

Younger adults, Democrats and Black Americans are especially likely to support these changes. For instance, 74% of Black adults  favor releasing people from prison  who are being held only for marijuana-related offenses, and just as many favor removing or expunging marijuana-related offenses from criminal records.

Twenty-four states and the District of Columbia have legalized small amounts of marijuana for both medical and recreational use as of March 2024,  according to the  National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws  (NORML), an advocacy group that tracks state-level legislation on the issue. Another 14 states have legalized the drug for medical use only.

Of the remaining 12 states, all allow limited access to products such as CBD oil that contain little to no THC – the main psychoactive substance in cannabis. And 26 states overall have at least partially  decriminalized recreational marijuana use , as has the District of Columbia.

In addition to 24 states and D.C.,  the U.S. Virgin Islands ,  Guam  and  the Northern Mariana Islands  have legalized marijuana for medical and recreational use.

More than half of Americans (54%) live in a state where both recreational and medical marijuana are legal, and 74% live in a state where it’s legal either for both purposes or medical use only, according to a February Center analysis of data from the Census Bureau and other outside sources. This analysis looked at state-level legislation in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

In 2012, Colorado and Washington became the first states to pass legislation legalizing recreational marijuana.

About eight-in-ten Americans (79%) live in a county with at least one cannabis dispensary, according to the February analysis. There are nearly 15,000 marijuana dispensaries nationwide, and 76% are in states (including D.C.) where recreational use is legal. Another 23% are in medical marijuana-only states, and 1% are in states that have made legal allowances for low-percentage THC or CBD-only products.

The states with the largest number of dispensaries include California, Oklahoma, Florida, Colorado and Michigan.

Note: This is an update of a post originally published April 26, 2021, and updated April 13, 2023.  

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Americans rate their federal, state and local governments less positively than a few years ago, about 1 in 4 u.s. teachers say their school went into a gun-related lockdown in the last school year, changing partisan coalitions in a politically divided nation, about half of americans say public k-12 education is going in the wrong direction, most popular.

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