MSFHR Funding in the News

Recent news stories have covered the funding situation at the Michael Smith Foundation for Health
Research, BCNAR’s funder.  From MSFHR’s website:

"BC Minister of Health Services Kevin Falcon says the provincial government is working hard to get further funding for MSFHR. His comments came on September 15 after media representatives questioned Minister Falcon about funding for the Foundation. “We’re pleased to hear about Minister Falcon’s response and on behalf of the Foundation and the BC research community, I want to thank the government for this additional confirmation of their support,” said MSFHR President and CEO Dr. John Challis. “We’ve been working closely with the government for several months to achieve this result.” Dr. Challis acknowledged that the Foundation has been in a difficult situation financially, but recognizes that the government is operating in a tough economic climate – and that many organizations are in the same position as MSFHR. “Government provided us with $15 million in April 2009, which we appreciate given their economic situation,” he said.  “And they have been very aware that in order to remain viable, the Foundation needs additional funding.

Dr. Challis said that as well as planning immediate next steps, it is important that the Foundation plan for the longer term. “It is vital that we step up our leadership role in BC’s health research community, ensuring that research is focused on critical health system issues,” he said. “For eight years, we have worked with our partners to build a strong, competitive research community in BC, and we intend to keep up that work.”
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