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$222 million for Canadian health research announced
Last Updated Mon, 14 Mar 2005 20:23:48 EST
CBC News
CALGARY - Canadian health researchers will receive $222 million in grants for 571 projects ranging from mental health issues of peacekeeping to the science behind a potential migraine treatment.
"We want a Canada that's a world leader in developing and applying the groundbreaking technologies of the 21st century," Prime Minister Paul Martin said at the funding announcement at the University of Calgary on Monday.
Paul Martin listens as Gerald Zamponi explains his research on a potential migraine treatment as University of Calgary President Dr. Harvey Weingarten looks on.
"We want Canada to be a world leader in creating high-quality jobs to keep our bright young people at home," said Martin. "We cannot accomplish that without a strong commitment to science ... and basic research."
This year's grants from the Canadian Institute for Health Research are up from $180 million last year, which funded 437 projects. The funding also supports graduate students and post-doctoral research fellows.
Martin toured the laboratory of neurobiologist Gerald Zamponi, who is studing calcium channels. Zamponi's research could lead to new treatments for neurological problems such as migraines that affect more than 3.5 million Canadians.
Psychiatrist Jitender Sareen of the University of Manitoba will study how to improve mental health treatment programs for Canadian soldiers.
One in five soldiers may suffer post-traumatic stress disorder, according to military ombudsman Andre Marin, who has criticized the Forces' handling of the condition.
Other projects target diseases that grabbed headlines, such as C. difficile. The bacteria were blamed for more than 100 deaths among hospital patients since 2001.
Researchers in Western Canada will benefit from more than $56 million, including $26 million in Alberta, said Federal Health Minister Ujjal Dosanjh.
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