Mr. Speaker, I rise to ask the House to join me in congratulating the Gairdner Foundation of Toronto as it celebrates an important anniversary.
For 40 years, the foundation has been recognizing and rewarding those in the medical world who, through unselfish devotion of their time and efforts, have been successful in making major contributions to research for the conquest of disease and the relief of human suffering. Over time, international Gairdner awards have been presented to 249 recipients, including 51 who have gone on to win the Nobel prize.
On behalf of the House I congratulate the founders and trustees of the Gairdner Foundation on this distinguished record of achievement.
The more than 50 Gairdner winners gathering in Toronto and 13 other centres across Canada this week for the Minds That Matter symposium to mark this occasion provide an eloquent testimony to the success of this important institution.
We salute their past and wish them a great future.