BC Government's confirmation of $15m enables MSFHR to continue support, plan for future

MSFHR has confirmed ongoing financial support for many of its programs thanks to receipt of the the previously-pledged $15m from the BC Government.

"We were extremely pleased to receive the letter and cheque from Health Services Minister Kevin Falcon as a follow-up to last September's $15m commitment," says MSFHR President and CEO Dr. John Challis. "We realize that the difficult economic situation is not yet over, and we are grateful to government for sending this strong message of support to BC's research community."

The continued financial support for these programs is within the terms of their existing awards, not new ones, says Dr. Challis. "We can only commit funds to the extent that we have them in the bank," he explains. "At the moment our situation is such that we have been able to continue some programs but not others."

However, with this funding in hand, Dr. Challis says MSFHR is gearing up for the coming year with optimism. "MSFHR's competitions have been very successful at building our province's capacity for excellent health research, and we need to continue such programs in years to come," he says. "But it's also clear that we must work equally hard to target health research towards health system issues - and we are beginning that work immediately, in partnership with the government."

Existing award continuations include: 

• Scholars and Senior Scholar awards have been extended to March 31, 2011 (or award end date, whichever is earlier).
• 2009 Trainee awards have been extended by six months (to at least March 31, 2011 or award end date, whichever is earlier).
• Technology/Methodology Platforms have been extended to March 31, 2011 at 70% of current award rate.
• Research Units Cohort 3 and 4 have been extended to March 31, 2011 (or award end date, whichever is earlier) at 70% of current award rate.
• Team Start-up awards will be extended to March 31, 2011 (or award end date, whichever is earlier) at a reduced funding level pending Board approval at its next meeting.

MSFHR award holders have been contacted personally about the status of their funding.