Message from the Minister of Health on the 10th Anniversary of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research - June 7, 2010

I am pleased to mark the 10^th Anniversary of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Government of Canada's agency for health research and a valuable member of the Health Portfolio.

Over the last 10 years, CIHR has emerged as one of the world's premier health research funding bodies. In this time, its total budget has grown to over $1 billion. This funding supports the best minds and brightest ideas in Canada's health research community. CIHR's 13 virtual institutes bring together thousands of health researchers, from across disciplines and from across the country, constituting a human network with a single vision: to improve the health of Canadians, advance our knowledge and strengthen our health care system.

Canada's health researchers have played an important role in our response to major national and international health issues. With stimulus and support from CIHR, health researchers contributed knowledge and expertise that was vital in our successful response to the H1N1 flu virus. By combating childhood diseases and improving maternal care, health researchers are helping ensure that Canadian children get a healthy start in life. CIHR is also leading a major international research initiative on Alzheimer's disease.

CIHR's structure allows it to meet the needs of Canada's diverse population and vast geography. The research it supports stands to benefit Canadians of all ages and from all parts of the country. It supports researchers seeking new and better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat disease. It supports researchers committed to improving workplace safety for fisheries workers in Newfoundland, farm workers in Saskatchewan, and forestry workers in B.C. It also brings together researchers with health care managers to improve the delivery of health services. For its part, CIHR's Institute of Aboriginal Peoples' Health works to improve the health of our First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.

Canada is just beginning to see the benefits of CIHR's contribution to health research. Its positive impact on the lives of Canadians will be felt for generations to come.

Leona Aglukkaq
Minister of Health
Government of Canada