Posted on 03/30/2009, 10:50 am, by mySteinbach

The Manitoba government is continuing to support research in areas such as cancer and AIDS by providing $6 million for the Manitoba Health Research Council’s 2009 budget, Science, Technology, Energy and Mines Minister Jim Rondeau announced.
 
“The government is well aware that investment in research and innovation plays a major role in helping the province weather current economic challenges,” said Rondeau. “When serious research takes place in Manitoba, it also builds on our role as a centre of knowledge and innovation.”
 
Rondeau made the announcement at a Manitoba Health Research Council event recognizing the work of researchers in Manitoba.
 
The Manitoba Health Research Council (MHRC) promotes and assists basic, clinical and applied research in the health sciences in Manitoba through grants and awards programs.
 
Rondeau noted the quality of Manitoba’s researchers and the mark they are making on the global research stage. He said today’s announcement is in keeping with government’s long-term commitment to promote and support Manitoba’s medical research sector.
 
The funding allows the council to support more researchers and trainees in Manitoba, making them nationally and internationally competitive. The minister said this research benefits Manitobans by producing discoveries that lead to better health and healthcare products and practices, and offers evidence to increase efficiencies within the health-care system.
 
“The increased funds to MHRC have been instrumental in building capacity in the local health research community,” said Dr. J. Dean Sandham, chair of the Manitoba Health Research Council and dean of the faculty of medicine at the University of Manitoba.  “In particular, we have been able to recognize and retain the scientific programs of three outstanding health researchers, Drs. Spencer Gibson, Keith Fowke and Jeffrey Wigle, and worked with our partners to leverage an additional $1.4 million to support health research in Manitoba
 
“Manitoba’s health researchers make a direct difference in the health and well-being of citizens here in Manitoba and around the world,” said Health Minister Theresa Oswald. “Leading-edge research today is the key to new tools to prevent, treat and cure illness and disease tomorrow.”
 
Rondeau noted government funds health research to strengthen training and provide jobs for skilled young Manitoba researchers.  He said it allows the province to attract and retain capable, experienced scientists and generate economic growth.
 
Last April, the province supported health research by increasing the Manitoba Health Research Council’s budget to $6 million from $2.8 million.