ARCHIVED - Health Research - Investing in Canada's Future 2003-2004
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Regional Profiles – The Prairie Provinces
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) funded health research in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta
The Prairie Provinces at a Glance
Some of Canada’s most exciting health research discoveries have their roots in Canada’s prairie provinces: Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta.
In 2003-2004, CIHR allocated a total of $94.7 million to Canada’s three western provinces, a 66% increase in just three-years.
Examples of prairie-based health research funded by CIHR
Drs. Etienne Leygue and Yvonne Myal:Diagnosing Breast Cancer
University of Manitoba
In Canada, an estimated 21,000 women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002 and 5,400 died from it. Early diagnosis can make a big difference in outcomes. CIHR’s Institute of Cancer Research researchers, Drs. Etienne Leygue and Yvonne C. Myal, at the University of Manitoba, have identified a gene, hSBEM (human Small Breast Epithelial Mucin) that could serve as a marker to aid diagnosis. They are studying how changes in the protein associated with this gene can help identify increased risk of breast cancer development, leading to new strategies for prevention and treatment. The technique they are using involves a non-invasive technology, an additional benefit.
Dr. Michael MacGregor:
Anger and Hypertension
University of Saskatchewan
Sometimes it may be good to get it off your chest. CIHR Institute of Circulatory and Respiratory Health researcher, Dr. Michael MacGregor, at the University of Saskatchewan is examining how constructive anger, as opposed to destructive forms of anger expression, may be a protective factor against hypertension, a risk factor for all cardiovascular diseases. He is examing the impact of constructive anger and resting, reactive, and recovery blood pressure. Identifying factors that can protect against hypertension can have a major impact on the health, quality of life and disability of those with hypertension, as well as on health care costs.
Dr. Marilynne A. Hebert:
Video-visits and Telehealth
University of Calgary
New developments in technology offer the potential for improving access to health care services, particularly for those living in remote areas, while reducing costs. However, there is limited evidence of whether this is actually the case. CIHR Institute of Health Services and Policy Research researcher, Dr. Marilynne Hebert, at the University of Calgary, is comparing traditional palliative homecare visits with a combination of “video-visits” using telehealth technology and reduced visits for patients in five areas of rural Alberta. She wants to find out what effect the video-visits have on symptom management and on costs. She is also examining how ready patients are to use this technology. Her study will provide needed evidence to evaluate the impact of this new use of technology on service delivery and cost containment that do not compromise patient care and outcomes.
CIHR is committed to encouraging and facilitating the growth of health research capacity in universities and hospitals across Canada.
Through its Regional Partnership Program (RPP), CIHR has provided funding to researchers in provinces that have historically received the smallest portion of health research funding, such as Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Historically, Alberta has not required this additional support.
Western RPP commitments for Fiscal Year 2002-2003 Province CIHR Commitment 2002-2003
| Province | CIHR Commitment 2002-2003 |
| Manitoba | $1,145,046 |
| Saskatchewan | $829,796 |
| Total | $1,974,842 |
Corporate Profiles
SagaTech Electronics (Calgary)
Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder. Those who suffer from sleep apnea stop breathing many times during each night’s sleep. They complain of excessive daytime sleepiness or poor sleep. Anyone can develop sleep apnea at any age. It is a serious and sometimes life-threatening disorder. The risks of undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea include heart attacks, strokes, impotence, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure and heart disease. Dr. John Remmers first received funding from CIHR to study sleep apnea in 1998. He is the co-inventor of the Remmers Sleep Recorder, for the detection of sleep apnea. He is also the founder and CEO of Calgary-based SagaTech Electronics, a company that manufactures and markets the Remmers Sleep Recorder.
Website: www.sagatech.ca
DiaMedica Inc. (Manitoba)
Diabetes is a widespread and growing disease that now affects 125 million people, a number which may double within 10 years. Approximately 90 % of diabetics have the adult-onset or type 2 form of the disease. CIHR funded researcher, Dr. Wilfred Wayne Lautt, Professor of Pharmacology at the University of Manitoba studies insulin resistance in adult-onset or type 2 diabetes. He co-founded DiaMedica Inc. in 2000 and directs the research activities of the company. DiaMedica Inc. is a biotech company focused on the development of novel treatments and diagnostics for type 2 diabetes, based on a platform technology with the potential to revolutionize the treatment of this widespread disease.
Website: www.diamedica.com
About the Canadian Institutes of Health Research
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research is the Government of Canada’s premier agency for health research. Its objective is to excel, according to internationally accepted standards of scientific excellence, in the creation of new knowledge and its translation into improved health for Canadians, more effective health services and products and a strengthened Canadian health care system.
For more information, visit: www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca.