FUNDING FOR KINGSTON RESEARCHERS PREPARES GROUND FOR CANADIAN INSTITUTES OF HEALTH RESEARCH KINGSTON, Ontario, February 21, 2000 – On behalf of Health Minster Allan Rock, Peter Milliken, M.P. for Kingston and the Islands, today announced a contribution of $6.3 million for health research initiatives to be conducted at Queen's University and the Kingston Regional Cancer Centre, from the Government of Canada, through the Medical Research Council (MRC). In making his announcement, Mr. Milliken congratulated Kingston area researchers and acknowledged the federal government's ongoing investment in health. "The contribution of Kingston's researchers in increasing our health science knowledge is a resource we must cultivate and maintain, " he stated. "Through MRC and eventually, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Kingston researchers will continue to provide Canada's health care system with a sound scientific foundation." Of the 15 operating grants awarded, 14 will be conducted by researchers at Queen's University and one at the Kingston Regional Cancer Centre. Operating grants ranging from one to five years cover a wide range of research topics from basic molecular science to the study of why certain cancer cells are resistant to drugs. "We are very pleased that so many areas of critical research currently underway at Queen's have received this recognition and level of funding from the MRC," said Dr. Suzanne Fortier, Queen's VP Research. "We are proud of the strong contribution Queen's is making to health research in Canada. We look forward to playing an even more significant role in addressing emerging health needs of Canadians through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) with its integrated, national model supporting health research across disciplines." In the 1999 federal budget the Government of Canada announced a dramatic increase in funding for health research in Canada, in addition to the creation of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). Once established later this year, the CIHR will coordinate all health research activities of the Government of Canada. MRC is the major federal agency responsible for the funding of health research and training in Canada. Media Enquiries: Faye Kert, MRC (613) 946-0927 Derek Kent, Minister's Office (613) 957-0200 Anne Kershaw, Queen's University (613) 533-6000, ext. 74038 - 30 - |