Thank you, Mr. Malo.
That is a very important question. The funding is for research on CCSVI, obviously in relation to multiple sclerosis. The reason why are making this request is because this is urgent. Urgent action is required. The Quebec College of Physicians is one of the organizations that has decided not to make this treatment available, out of a need and concern for more evidence of its effectiveness. But, in order to find that evidence, we need to put our foot on the accelerator. That is why I drew the parallel with nuclear isotopes. We are talking about a crisis, something that is urgently needed, and this is a matter of public interest.
With Dr. Duncan and other witnesses, there has been discussion about discrimination in relation to treatment. We are aware of that inequity, which is a glaring one. People here have talked about it as well, because they have experienced that discrimination. That is why we hope the Minister will provide the additional funding—though not in place of other significant investments in research by CIHR—and earmark it for this public interest crisis.