Science and Research committee  Thank you again for the invitation to be here tonight. Centres of excellence in health care are not a new concept in Canada. They are established already in certain health domains, including cancer, bariatric surgery and mental health. The concept of endometriosis centres of excellence is built on some of the foundational work that others have already done to establish a network of individuals with clinical expertise but also academic research expertise on a topic.

Science and Research committee  At present, health care is provincially funded. Gynecologic health care is not particularly prioritized. This is something that various institutions individually are trying to advocate for, including my institution at Hamilton Health Sciences and McMaster University. I'm incredibly grateful that they are making those strides.

Science and Research committee  Patients, clinicians and researchers are creating change for endometriosis in Canada. For example, Mr. Don Davies put forward motion M-52 requesting a national action plan for endometriosis. In addition to supporting M-52, we would like to propose some solutions for aspects of the endometriosis crisis that pertain to acquisition and retention of top talent and support for research and innovation.

Science and Research committee  Good evening, Madam Chair. Thank you to you and the Standing Committee on Science and Research for the invitation to present today. I'm a gynecologist and Ph.D. scientist at McMaster University in Hamilton, with a clinical and research focus on endometriosis. I'm an early career researcher, having only returned from training and working in Australia in 2020.