New national poll seen as call to action for Governments in
The survey,
"Even in a recession, Canadians continue to see health and medical research as a top priority, says
Survey highlights
- 89% of Canadians believe that Canada should be a global leader in health and medical research. However, a majority of Canadians understand that Canada is a middle of the pack player among industrialized nations.* - 84% of Canadians say health and medical research makes an important contribution to the economy, recognizing that the economy is the most important issue facing Canadians today. - 90% of Canadians believe basic research should be supported by government, even if the benefits are not immediate. - Nine out of 10 Canadians think it is important for both federal and provincial governments to invest in the education and training of health and medical researchers; a proportion slightly higher than seen in the 2006 survey. - Even in a recession, seven out of 10 Canadians are willing to pay out of pocket to improve health and research capacity. - Most Canadians believe breakthroughs for cancer, diabetes, heart disease and Alzheimer's are attainable within 10 to 20 years. - Four out of five Canadians agree that the Federal Government should support tax and regulatory policies that encourage private industries to conduct more medical research.
"Canadians recognize that health research is good for the economy and good for patients," says
The research was conducted by Angus
The six leading health organizations which commissioned the research: Association of Faculties of Medicine of
The full results of the
* In Canada's Science Technology and Innovation System: State of the Nation 2008, the Science Technology and Innovation Council (STIC) concluded that Canada is a "mid-level performer" amongst industrialized nations.
For further information: or to arrange interviews, please contact: David Rodier, NATIONAL Public Relations, (613) 233-1699 ext 243, [email protected]; Ms. Deborah Gordon-El-Bihbety, President and CEO, Research Canada, Tel: (613) 234-5129, [email protected]
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