Message from the Minister of Health – 2009 Canadian Health Research Awards

The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq
Minister of Health

November 17, 2009

It is my pleasure to congratulate all the recipients of this year's Canadian Health Research Awards and Prix Galien Canada Awards.

Canada is home to some of the most creative and productive health researchers in the world. Their work is helping improve the way we diagnose and treat illnesses such as cancer and HIV/AIDS. Their research is also uncovering new ways to prevent disease and promote healthy lifestyles. The researchers receiving awards tonight have achieved an extraordinary level of excellence in their respective pursuits. In so doing they are making Canada a healthier place to live.

As we move towards an increasingly knowledge-based economy, our ability to attract and retain talented researchers will become more and more important. By giving researchers the recognition they deserve and the funding they need, we encourage more young people to pursue careers in health research while reminding Canadians of the many ways in which health research improves their lives.

On behalf of the Ministry of Health, I congratulate CIHR and all of the award winners on their outstanding accomplishments.

Leona Aglukkaq
Minister of Health / Government of Canada