CP commits $1.5 million to drive life-saving research

CALGARY, March 1, 2019 /CNW/ - Canadian Pacific (CP) and Heart & Stroke are teaming up once again to save lives and improve the health of all people in Canada. The partnership, forged four years ago, is part of CP's community investment program, CP Has Heart. Now CP is again showing its community leadership through the partnership renewal of $1.5 million for heart research over the next three years.

CP announces $1.5 million partnership renewal to drive Heart & Stroke research (CNW Group/Heart and Stroke Foundation)

CP's commitment to support Heart & Stroke research began in 2015, when the CP Has Heart Cardiovascular Awards were rolled out, providing funding for 13 researchers across the country. The awards supported an impressive range and diversity of research queries, including:

• "Do fertility drugs affect women's heart health?";
• "How can we prevent heart damage from viral infections?";
• "Is there a better test to detect dangerous blood clots?"

"Research is at the core of our mission to promote health, save lives and enhance recovery, and funding partnerships are critical to our ability to generate medical breakthroughs," says Heart & Stroke CEO Yves Savoie. "We are so grateful for the generosity, leadership and vision of our partner, CP, for their ongoing commitment to drive research advancements and champion heart health. Together, we can give people in Canada more life." 

Since Heart & Stroke was founded 65 years ago, the death rate from heart disease and stroke has decreased by 75% – due in large part to medical advances. Yet heart disease and stroke continue to take a Canadian life every seven minutes, and account for 27% of all deaths every year. The need to fund research is as strong as ever.

"Through our on-going CP Has Heart activities and contributions, we will continue to further cardiovascular research, get the best equipment to cardiac patients, and spread awareness of the issue," said CP's Vice-President Strategic Planning and Transportation Services, James Clements. "On behalf of the nearly 13,000-strong CP family, we look forward to the results that come from CP's partnership with the Heart & Stroke Foundation and to reducing cardiovascular disease in North America."

Canada is home to exceptional cardiac research that has made history for decades – transforming the lives of people living with or at risk for heart disease in Canada and around the world. Today, access to research funding is becoming increasingly difficult, yet the need has never been greater. This commitment by CP is a testament to the corporation's dedication to the health of its employees, and to making a real difference in the lives of families across the country.

About CP
Canadian Pacific (TSX:CP)(NYSE:CP) is a transcontinental railway in Canada and the United States with direct links to eight major ports, including Vancouver and Montreal, providing North American customers a competitive rail service with access to key markets in every corner of the globe. CP is growing with its customers, offering a suite of freight transportation services, logistics solutions and supply chain expertise. Visit cpr.ca to see the rail advantages of Canadian Pacific.

About CP Has Heart
At CP we know that a railroad may serve as the arteries of a nation, but at its heart is community. That's why through CP Has Heart, we're improving the heart health of men, women and children across North America. Since its inception, CP Has Heart has committed more than $15 million to heart health initiatives in communities across Canada.  And along the way, we're showing heart whenever we can. Find out more on cpr.ca or @CPhasHeart.

About the Heart and Stroke Foundation
Life. We don't want you to miss it. That's why Heart & Stroke leads the fight against heart disease and stroke. We must generate the next medical breakthroughs, so people in Canada don't miss out on precious moments. Together, we are working to prevent disease, save lives and promote recovery through research, health promotion and public policy. heartandstroke.ca.

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SOURCE Heart and Stroke Foundation

For further information: or interviews, contact: Anita Pieterse, Manager, Communications, Heart & Stroke Foundation (Alberta & NWT), [phone], [e-mail]; Jeremy Berry, Director Media Relations, Canadian Pacific, [phone], [e-mail]

Related Links

https://www.heartandstroke.ca/