New investments for COVID-19 impact research will support an equitable pandemic recovery for all Canadians
News release
March 4, 2022 – Ottawa, Ontario – Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Throughout its response to the COVID-19 pandemic the Government of Canada has worked hard to support the needs of all people in Canada. That being said, the pandemic has had a disproportionate impact on Indigenous, Black, and racialized communities in Canada who already experience inequitable access to health care.
In an effort to better understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on equity seeking communities, today, the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Health, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, and the Honourable Marci Ien Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, announced that the Government of Canada is investing $26.3 million in 69 new research projects across the country.
These projects will focus on the impact of the pandemic on Indigenous, Black, and racialized communities, as well as children and youth, and people living with HIV, mental illness, and chronic health conditions. For example, Dr. Josephine Etowa at the University of Ottawa will work to strengthen the capacity of health care providers to reduce the impact of COVID-19 on Black communities. Also, Dr. Helen-Maria Vasiliadis at Université de Sherbrooke will study ways to help people living with social anxiety disorder during the pandemic.
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research is funding these projects as part of its ongoing investments in COVID-19 research. The goal of these projects is to inform evidence-based policy and program development that support diverse communities and an equitable recovery from the pandemic.
Quotes
“We are committed to getting all Canadians through the COVID-19 pandemic safely. These new research projects will provide evidence to guide our efforts in addressing the needs of communities who continue to experience disproportionate impacts from the pandemic while ensuring that our health care works for everyone.”
The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos
Minister of Health
“COVID-19 has exacerbated the mental health of people in Canada, creating new stresses and making life even more challenging for those living with mental illness and addictions. The work of these researchers will help our government develop evidence-based solutions on providing additional supports for the mental health of Canadians and will be invaluable as we build a better future for everyone.”
The Honourable Carolyn Bennett
Minister of Mental Health and Addictions
“Canada’s health researchers continue to produce much needed evidence to guide our efforts to keep Canadians safe. I would like to thank researchers who have focused on studying issues impacting Black communities, and more specifically, issues affecting intersectional and racialized women, and gender diverse people. This research will help us identify where we need to focus our attention and move us forward on the path to true and lasting gender equality.”
The Honourable Marci Ien
Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth
“Canadian researchers have led the scientific response to COVID-19 since the beginning of the pandemic. These research projects will provide essential information on the impact of the pandemic on vulnerable populations in Canada and the delivery of health services. This evidence will support the ongoing response and guide policies to support the recovery and future pandemic preparedness.”
Dr. Charu Kaushic
Scientific Director, CIHR Institute of Infection and Immunity
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Contacts
Marie-France Proulx
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos
Minister of Health
613-957-0200
Maja Staka
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett
Minister of Mental Health and Addictions
343-552-5568
Johise Namwira
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Marci Ien
Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth
873-353-0985
Media Relations
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
mediarelations@cihr-irsc.gc.ca
At the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) we know that research has the power to change lives. As Canada's health research investment agency, we collaborate with partners and researchers to support the discoveries and innovations that improve our health and strengthen our health care system.
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