Message from the Prime Minister – 2009 Canadian Health Research Awards

The Right Honourable Stephen Harper
Prime Minister

November 17, 2009

Eighth Annual Canadian Health Research Awards

On behalf of the Government of Canada, I would like to offer my congratulations to all those being honoured tonight for their outstanding achievements in health research.

Canada's health research community is vital to the welfare of our citizens and our continued economic growth as a country. Our government is committed to fostering an environment that encourages innovation and ingenuity and that attracts the best minds and brightest students. In fact, over the last year we funded an additional 165 Canada Research Chairs in the health sciences, creating new jobs and training opportunities for thousands of graduate students across the country. We are proud of our scientific leaders, who are building Canada's international reputation as a centre for health research excellence and helping us move toward a healthier future.

I would also like to take this opportunity to applaud the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and Prix Galien on the new partnership being launched at tonight's joint awards ceremony. Encouraging greater collaboration between the public and private sectors will enable Canada to fully realize the tremendous potential of health research.

Please accept my best wishes for a memorable celebration.

Sincerely,

The Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper, P.C., M.P.
Prime Minister of Canada