As Canada experiences major crises in the health care system, we believe that investing in evidence-based science is key to guiding our way towards solutions and preparing us for future challenges.
Despite this, Canada is the only nation in the G7 whose R&D spending as a percentage of GDP shrank over the past two decades, and the gap continues to widen. Our researchers all feel the impact through their ability to conduct and support world-class research and staff. It is hitting our young scientists, graduate students, and post-doctoral researchers particularly hard.
In response, UHN is participating in an important advocacy campaign with Research Canada to share key messages regarding the importance of investing in health research and innovation ahead of Canada’s 2023 Federal Budget. This includes a clear, unambiguous ask to the Government of Canada to double Tri-Agency research funding and commit to annual increases that keep pace with inflation and global benchmarks. These funds are needed now to better support a diversified talent base in Canada.
If you are a member of TeamUHN, add your voice!
Join us in this advocacy through the following:
- Write to Canada’s decision makers to emphasize the importance of investing in research. To help you get started, we have drafted a template email that you can modify [a Word document will auto-download; check your desktop or downloads folder], and Research Canada has provided contact information for key stakeholders.
- Amplify these asks on social media platforms. Follow @UHN_research and @ResearchCda on Twitter, and use hashtags such as #ResearchIsTheSolution or #CDNHealth in your posts.
Together, we can make our voices heard and demonstrate our commitment to delivering A Healthier World though the very best in care, education, and research.