Mr. Speaker, I rise to highlight and applaud the research component of the 1999 budget and in particular the $1.4 billion allocated to medical research.
Coming from a riding and a city where health research plays a key role, last month's budget was welcome news for many dedicated researchers.
The creation of the Canadian institutes of health research will support research and innovation in health care, strengthen treatment and prevention methods while providing more opportunities for advanced research in areas such as biotechnology and medical devices.
The CIHR will also keep our best and brightest research minds and clinicians at work here in Canada. Meanwhile the additional funding for the three federal granting councils will enable researchers to continue their important work.
With the 1999 budget Canada is well positioned to be a world leader in medical research. The investment the government is making today will provide benefits well into the future, improving the health and well-being of Canadians. Making knowledge and innovation a key priority for the future is enhanced by this budget.