OTTAWA, February 29, 2019 — Research Canada: An Alliance for Health Discovery is pleased to welcome five new Members into its Alliance dedicated to advancing health research and health innovation in Canada: Bow Valley College, Osteoporosis Canada, Mood Disorders Society of Canada, Huntington Society of Canada, and Pfizer Canada.
“Our influence as an organization is rooted in the size and diversity of our membership,” says Dr. Robert McMaster, Chair of Research Canada and Vice President of Research at Vancouver Coastal Health. “These exceptional organizations and institutions will bring significant expertise, experience and perspective to Research Canada’s national advocacy efforts on behalf of the academic, private and voluntary sectors.”
New Member Bow Valley College advocates for lifelong learning and academic excellence through academic leadership. With support services and expertise that foster building capacity and the promotion of applied research, teaching, curriculum design, and essential skills development, the institution supports the college community and learner success in addition to conducting applied research on many topics. In the School of Health and Wellness, applied research is able to improve practice for both faculty and learners in health care education and work.
Bolstering the objective of providing a strong, cohesive voice for people with mood disorders, Mood Disorders Society of Canada (MDSC) strives to improve treatment access, inform research, and shape program development and government policies. “We are very pleased to join the Research Canada Alliance,” says Mr. Dave Gallson, National Executive Director. “A constructive, effective and collaborative approach to health research and innovation advocacy by the health community is essential so that Canadians have access to the best health services and programs available. It is through planning for, and working towards key objectives together, that we will ensure success in addressing positive health outcomes.”
Osteoporosis Canada, the only national organization serving people who have, or are at risk for, osteoporosis, works to educate, empower and support individuals and communities in the risk-reduction and treatment of osteoporosis. The organization supports those already diagnosed with the disease and pursues research and treatment breakthroughs that keep more people healthy. “I am proud to have our organization be a Member of Research Canada. We are excited about this partnership as it aligns well with Osteoporosis Canada’s goals of advancing health-based research through collaborative advocacy,” says Dr. Famida Jiwa, President & CEO.
Also new to the Research Canada Alliance, the Huntington Society of Canadasupports those affected by Huntington disease (HD) through both support services and medical research aimed at delaying or ending the disease’s progression. One in every 1,000 Canadians is impacted by HD, and currently there is no known cure. The Huntington Society of Canada’s goal is to provide the highest level of hope for affected families by funding crucial research and helping those with the disease live their best possible lives.
Pfizer Canada focuses on the discovery and development of new medicines and vaccines. Through investments that support faster delivery of breakthrough evidence-based medicines, Pfizer Canada addresses the patient experience of unmet medicinal needs. R&D is at the heart of Pfizer’s efforts and is focused in core areas, including chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, vaccines, oncology, neuroscience and pain, cardiovascular and metabolic disease, rare diseases, and biosimilars. Much of the company’s research is being further studied in Canadian clinical trials.
“We are delighted to welcome these new Members into the fold,” says Dr. Ann Russell, Co-Chair of Research Canada’s Membership Development and Programs Committee and Senior Director of Learning, Innovation and Applied Educational Research at the Michener Institute for Education at UHN. “These organizations represent an enormous amount of research knowledge and practice, and their contributions to the health of Canadians greatly inspire our advocacy efforts” adds Ms. Andrée Dumulon, Committee Co-Chair and Vice President, Public Affairs and Chief Communication Officer at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute.
Research Canada is a multi-stakeholder alliance of private, academic and voluntary sector organizations dedicated to advancing health research and translating research into innovative products and services that deliver social and economic benefits to all Canadians. For more information, visit rc-rc.ca.
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For inquiries:
Christie Tomkins
Manager of Policy and Public Affairs
613-234-5129
ctomkins@rc-rc.ca