Thank you for that question.
Our government recognizes the impact of neurological illnesses on Canadians, which is why we have acted to support brain research and will continue to do so.
Our government has also provided funding for a four-year study of persons with neurological diseases, and the national population health study will also bring together the Public Health Agency of Canada and the neurological health charities of Canada. The first annual progress meeting was held this past year in March.
We also have heard a lot about CCSVI and MS. I was pleased to support the development of the ongoing national MS monitoring system, which will provide those with MS, health care providers, and Canadians with a better understanding of the disease patterns and the use of treatments.
We also established a scientific expert working group in monitoring and analyzing results of the seven MS Society sponsored studies already under way both in Canada and the United States. If the expert advisory committee advises in favour of clinical trials, our government, working with the MS Society in the provinces and the territories, will ensure that we fund the programs.
In terms of research into neurological illnesses, including Alzheimer's disease, as I stated before, Canada is taking the leadership role internationally. I was recently joined by the honourable Minister of State for Seniors to announce important investments in the area of more than 40 Alzheimer's research projects across the country. CIHR will contribute to that as well, through a research strategy to address Alzheimer's disease on an international global scale.
Building on this effort, Budget 2011 includes significant funding to establish that Canada bring a research fund in support of the very best Canadian neuroscientists. That's in Budget 2011 to go forward as well.