To prevent illness, treat disease, manage complex health conditions, and prepare for health emergencies, we need to strengthen our public and universal health care system. Innovative ways of doing research and integrating evidence into policy decisions can help ensure better health outcomes for people living in Canada – from coast to coast to coast.

“Strengthening our public and universal health care system means better health outcomes for patients and better support for health workers. The time is now to invest in policy tools that will help address the challenges that our health care continues to face. This research will provide timely and evidence-informed solutions to make a real impact on health care across the country.”

The Honourable Jean Yves Duclos
Minister of Health

“Congratulations to all 60 funded research teams. This investment will play a critical role in addressing pressing health system challenges across the country and achieving a more equitable and inclusive health system. CIHR’s Institute of Health Services and Policy Research is thrilled to lead this initiative in collaboration with partners to support health policy research that addresses high-priority health system challenges and the sharing of the evidence and policy options directly with decision makers.”

Dr. Rick Glazier
Scientific Director, CIHR Institute of Health Services and Policy Research

“Ontario is implementing a bold plan to provide people with a better health care experience by connecting them to more convenient health care options closer to home, while shortening wait times for key services across the province and growing the health care workforce for years to come. This research will be used to help better inform patient outcomes while we continue to work towards our goal to provide convenient and connected care across Ontario.”

The Honourable Sylvia Jones
Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Ontario

“Congratulations to the researchers, decision makers and health professionals who will leverage this funding to face today’s health challenges. We need evidence-based approaches to meet critical needs and prevent health emergencies. Health research investments play a big part in the development of policy solutions to improve services and tackle issues affecting health workers. This new collaborative approach will allow us to address urgent needs and ensure healthy lives for all Quebecers and Canadians.”

Carole Jabet
Scientific Director, Fonds de recherche du Québec – Santé (FRQS)

“Research plays a vital role in delivering evidence-based solutions to improve the lives of Canadians. As a part of this new investment, we are proud to be funding the New Brunswick Social Pediatrics Research Program in conjunction with the Horizon Health Network to deliver community level programs to improve the lives of children and families. Initial research in this area by Dr. Sarah Gander has already had an incredible impact by highlighting policies that are inequitable, punitive, and stigmatizing so that real policy change can occur to promote a healthier future for families. The continued support of investments into research policy solutions to transform health systems will allow for us all to work together to build more resilient, equitable and inclusive health systems.”

Damon Goodwin
CEO, ResearchNB

“The Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation is proud to support the Saskatchewan THINC Grant recipients. Their work reflects leadership, innovation and a commitment to better health and healthcare in our province and across Canada. Canada’s health system is part of what makes our country unique and warrants research investment both provincially and nationally. We look forward to witnessing the impacts of these projects and the entire THINC initiative in the years that follow.”

Patrick Odnokon
CEO, Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation

• This investment is a result of a funding competition launched in summer 2022 focused on policy research for health system transformation.

• Led by the CIHR Institute of Health Services and Policy Research this funding opportunity will support 60 research teams across Canada and internationally.

• Sixty teams will embark on year-long projects to provide evidence to advance many health system and public health priorities, including supporting the health care workforce, improving primary, home, long-term and community care, virtual care, mental health services, and Indigenous health.

Associated links

• CIHR Institute of Health Services and Policy Research
• Policy Research for Health System Transformation Catalyst Grants

Guillaume Bertrand
Senior Communications Advisor and Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos
Minister of Health
613-957-0200

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.