Researchers in Nova Scotia receive federal funding to address the wider health impacts of COVID-19 on Canadians
News release
June 6, 2022 — Halifax, Nova Scotia — Canadian Institutes of Health Research
The COVID-19 pandemic has strained healthcare systems across Canada and prevented Canadians from accessing essential health and social services. As we transition towards the next phase of the pandemic, we need to understand its broader impacts on Canadians and our healthcare system so we can better prepare for future emergencies.
Today, Andy Fillmore, Member of Parliament for Halifax and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, announced, on behalf of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Health, an investment from the Government of Canada of nearly $1.5 million from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) for three projects in Nova Scotia focused on studying the wider health impacts of the pandemic on children with complex health needs, women who experienced increased violence, and equity-deserving communities.
The following researchers are the recipients of this funding:
- Dr. Janet Curran at IWK Health Centre received $490,758, which includes contributions from CIHR and the New Brunswick Health Research Foundation, to examine the wider impact of COVID-19 measures on the lives of children with complex care needs and their families.
- Dr. Alexa Yakubovich at Dalhousie University received $499,647 to identify and contextualize best practices in responding to violence against women during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Dr. Janice Graham at Dalhousie University received $489,566 to engage with social scientists, public health experts, and members of equity-deserving groups to develop recommendations for a more equitable and supportive healthcare governance framework in post-COVID Canada.
The funding is provided by CIHR as part of its ongoing investments in research to support Canada’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Quotes
“Over the last two years, it’s been harder for Canadians to access critical services because of the enormous pressure that COVID-19 put on our health care systems. The research projects announced today will help us strengthen our health care systems and improve our capacity to support Canadians in the future. Together, we will continue to support the health and safety of everyone across the country.”
The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos
Minister of Health
“I am so pleased to congratulate Drs. Curran, Yakubovich, and Graham on receiving this funding. These projects will help us better understand the impact of COVID measures on vulnerable children, respond more effectively to violence against women, and help build more equitable and supportive healthcare in Canada. The results will benefit all Nova Scotians and Canadians who shape the strong and unique fabric of this great country.”
The Honourable Sean Fraser
Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship and Member of Parliament for Central Nova
"The pandemic laid bare many of the underlying health and social challenges faced by vulnerable and equity-deserving communities in our province. It also showed us that when we tackle big challenges head on, acting with intention to protect vulnerable groups, we can make a positive impact. As we begin to look beyond COVID-19, the government is investing in these three researchers so that their findings can inform our ongoing work to support those in need."
Andy Fillmore, Member of Parliament for Halifax and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
Quick facts
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Research has been a key part of the Government of Canada’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Since the start of the pandemic, CIHR has invested $414 million in 965 COVID-19 research projects. These projects span everything from diagnostics and potential treatments to public health responses and communication strategies.
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CIHR is making a new investment of nearly $1.5 million to support three projects led by researchers in Nova Scotia to understand the wider health impact of the pandemic on Canadians.
Associated links
Contacts
Marie-France Proulx
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos
Minister of Health
613-957-0200
Aidan Strickland
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Sean Fraser
Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
aidan.strickland@cic.gc.ca
Breton Cousins
Office of Member of Parliament Andy Fillmore
613-294-7598
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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