Brain Canada issues statement reinforcing need for government support for brain research funding

Brain disorders affect 1 in 3 Canadians

Brain Canada today issued a statement reinforcing the pressing need for targeted Federal government support for brain research funding in Canada.

"Brain Canada greatly appreciated the government's inclusion of a significant new proposal to fund collaborative brain research in the 2011 federal budget," stated Inez Jabalpurwala, President of Brain Canada. "The budget commitment of $100 million in federal funds to support Brain Canada's efforts and establish a public-private partnership, the Canada Brain Research Fund, would significantly accelerate the ability of Canadian researchers to pursue breakthrough discoveries that can lead to new treatments and cures for brain disorders."

While the federal election was called before the budget could be passed, Brain Canada is hopeful that this initiative will enjoy the kind of all-party support that will ensure it is adopted by the next Parliament.

"With greater understanding about the impact of brain disorders, including mental illness, concussions, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's, autism—every Canadian should applaud an increased investment in brain research. This is an issue that crosses all boundaries and interests," concluded Ms. Jabalpurwala.

In the budget tabled on March 22, 2011, the government committed to advancing the knowledge and treatment of brain disorders by proposing "to allocate up to $100 million to help establish the Canada Brain Research Fund, which will support the very best Canadian neuroscience, fostering collaborative research and accelerating the pace of discovery, in order to improve the health and quality of life of Canadians who suffer from brain disorders."