CIHR, as my colleague from the health portfolio indicated, recognizes the importance of this emerging research area. I should indicate CIHR has supported already a number of research projects on various facets of the issue, such as both the harms and possibly the benefits of e-cigarettes, evaluating tobacco control policies, and the efficacy of e-cigarette use for smoking cessation.
By way of more detailed examples, I can indicate that in 2013 CIHR invested approximately $800,000 over five years to a team led by Dr. Eisenberg of the Jewish General Hospital to support the first clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of e-cigarette use for smoking cessation. We will be awaiting the results of that trial.
With respect to continuing research in this area, clearly CIHR will continue to support research in this field. Our open investigator competition allows for applicants in this particular space, and then more specifically with respect to the report of the committee, CIHR is currently investigating the options that could be pursued in line with this committee's recommendations on the research gaps.