That's a good question. Let me first put that in context, and it's partly in response to Mr. Dufour's question. Global funding for HIV/AIDS vaccines--so not HIV/AIDS, but vaccines--has dropped this past year by 10% because of the economic downturn, at a time when the scientific progress has never been greater. So there's this frustrating disconnect between the opportunities for funding and the actual situation.
Having said that, in terms of Canada's standing, I think there are very real strengths across Canada, both in terms of therapeutic research of the kind that Dr. Carver was referring to and in terms of community-based research. CIHR has a very large community-based research program called the HIV trials network, which conducts trials domestically across Canada. Those are all very good examples of strengths of Canadian science.
There are good strengths in basic science. You've heard some from Dr. Fowke in terms of basic research coupled with epidemiological research looking at exposed and infected individuals and sex workers in Nairobi and other places.
I think there are some very real strengths of Canadian science. Again I look at it in my current role as something that should be built on.