Researchers will address pressing health challenges and help revitalize public health systems across the country
January 19, 2022 - Ottawa, Ontario - Canadian Institutes of Health Research
The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the importance of maintaining a strong public health system to protect the health of Canadians. The Public Health Agency of Canada and its counterparts in provinces, territories, and municipalities across the country play an essential role in preventing the spread of infectious diseases, promoting healthy environments, and leading efforts to gather and analyze data to guide decisions and develop programs. The public health system also provides reliable information to help people make choices and adopt behaviours that will support their health and well-being.
Research is a part of the foundations of an effective public health system. That's why the Minister of Health, the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, today announced funding of $10 million from the Government of Canada to increase public health research capacity in Canada. This investment includes $8 million for seven new applied public health chairs who will carry out research programs in areas such as infectious diseases, urban and environmental health, and disease prevention. It also includes $2 million for a research funding opportunity that will support projects linked to priorities outlined in the Chief Public Health Officer of Canada's annual report for 2021. Together this research investment will better prepare Canada for public health emergencies and help achieve better health for all Canadians.
These research initiatives are being supported through a partnership between the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Public Health Agency of Canada.
