"In the one year since it was created, CIHR has dramatically changed Canada's health research landscape in positive ways," said Mr. Rock. "Today's announcement is another step forward in the building of CIHR, advancing heart research and the overall health of Canadians and strengthening our health care system."

Dr. Duhamel made the announcement during a keynote address at the International Society for Heart Research's XVII World Congress in Winnipeg. It complements the $16.1 million provided to the University of Manitoba and the $33.6 million investment in heart research that was announced by CIHR earlier this year.

"Manitoba has a strong health research infrastructure due in large part to the funding received by CIHR," noted Mr. Duhamel. "Through CIHR, Manitoba researchers will continue their tradition of excellence, contributing to improvements in Canada's health care system with sound scientific evidence."

The two elements of the announcement today are as follows:

• More than $18.5 million for national heart research initiatives across Canada. In particular, Elissavet Kardami from the University of Manitoba will isolate and study PKC-epsilon, the signalling protein used in cell-to-cell communication channels called gap junctions, in hopes of targeting a new prevention strategy for heart beat irregularities; and

• More than $6.7 million to fund 9 health research projects at the University of Manitoba - including a $1.75 million grant for Francis Plummer to continue his ground breaking research on HIV/AIDS. "The CIHR dream is becoming a reality at an astonishing pace," stated Dr. Bernstein. "This year alone Canadian researchers reported several health breakthroughs in diabetes, cancer and Alzheimer's disease. The research funded today will build upon these discoveries, continuing Canada's role as an important player in the health research revolution."

Over the last year, CIHR has moved rapidly to fulfill its mandate, creating 13 virtual institutes, appointing Scientific Directors to run them, selecting 218 volunteers to guide the institutes and providing funding to over 5,000 established researchers and thousands of trainees across Canada. Further funding opportunities will be available for health researchers later this year through the CIHR Institute's strategic initiatives that will aim to fill research gaps and build capacity across Canada.

CIHR is Canada's premier agency for health research. Its objective is to excel, according to internationally accepted standards of scientific excellence, in the creation of new knowledge and its translation into improved health for Canadians, more effective health services and products and a strengthened health care system.

For information:

Attachments:
National Heart Research Initiatives
Manitoba Health Research Initiatives
CIHR Backgrounder

FURTHER INFORMATION:
Andrew Matejcic, CIHR, (613) 954-7143
Catherine Lappe, Minister's Office (613) 957-0200
Judy Edmond, Secretary of State's Office, (204) 983-7096 or (204) 479-1072