The COVID-19 pandemic has had devastating consequences for older adults, especially those living with dementia, and their caregivers. Research from Baycrest and elsewhere suggests that both direct and indirect impacts of COVID-19 on the brain may lead to an increase in the incidence of dementia. Now more than ever, government support of research and innovation in aging, brain health, and dementia is imperative. There is a critical need for significant investment both in foundational research to further our understanding of aging and the human brain, and in translation and innovation programs to develop, spread, and scale novel approaches that prevent, detect, and treat dementia. Together, we can create a world in which everyone is empowered to fear no age.

Canada’s science infrastructure is challenged to move discoveries from the lab to clinical trials. Many of our inventions become targets of foreign takeovers. By addressing the challenges that hamper translation, we‘ll be better situated to advance made-in-Canada innovations like vaccines and immunotherapies. BioCanRx urges all parties to support predictable, long-term investments for preclinical to clinical development of therapies for the benefit of patients and the economy.

Older adults and long-term care residents have seen devastating impacts this past year. When Canadians ask ‘what next?’ we need to be prepared to offer solutions backed by best evidence and practice. Research and innovation are the backbone of health care progress, feeding into care and economy alike. If we want to see real-world impact, we need to continue investing in the people and the science that are improving health outcomes for Canadians. The Bruyère Research Institute is dedicated to collaborating with industry and government to address the needs of our aging population.

Science is a critical economic driver, as is health of population. COVID-19 pandemic is giving us ample evidence. As we build back our capacity, there will be need for new standards of health security and new expectations. Glycomics can offer new avenues to drug discovery, novel methods of biomanufacturing, and more personalized healthcare. The breakthroughs achieved by GlycoNet researchers are addressing the key gap in Canadian health research infrastructure – developing, translating, and commercializing research to realize its full economic potential. As we bring new areas of science to fruition, we make a more sustainable world for future generations with the help of  glycomics-based vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics.

The current global health crisis has only reinforced the importance of strengthening life sciences, especially here in Canada. Roche is committed to continuing our investments in the Canadian healthcare ecosystem and being a trusted partner in building a strong life sciences sector to solidify Canada’s position as a leader when it comes to innovation.

Our university has a long track record of making and responding to change. Through building partnerships across industries, leading experiential learning programs or committing to advance equity and inclusion, we believe in challenging the status quo in pursuit of new possibilities. I couldn’t be more excited about our plans to launch a new kind of medical school, where we can create a new model for primary care — one that’s community-driven, intentionally inclusive and that trains doctors whose cultural awareness and humility are as crucial as their medical skills.

Health charities play an important and complementary role to other research funders, filling essential gaps, promoting patient-centered research and providing direct connections to patient communities. As our sector recovers from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Canadians living with diseases and/or medical conditions will continue to turn to science and ground-breaking research to identify new and innovative approaches to the challenges they face. Critical federal support is needed to stabilize and grow Canada’s health research and innovation system.

Mood Disorders Society of Canada (MDSC) is dedicated to working tirelessly on behalf of the patient and family community to tackle mental illness and to ensure our priorities and experiences are consistently brought to the forefront. Known for our collaborative approach in driving research and advocating for policy improvements, MDSC supports community mental health organizations, programs and services, from coast to coast. This is an unprecedented time in mental health where we are seeing the ramifications of the pandemic create even more mental health problems and crises. We must actively pursue investments for innovation in therapies and empower collaborative programs and services.  At MDSC, we strive to bring together all community stakeholders including health care, research, professionals, and government with the patient community to work together to fight mental illness and improve mental wellness.

Lakehead University’s 2019-2024 Research Plan includes Health and Well-Being as one of five research priorities. Our researchers aim to make a difference in the health and well-being of our communities across the age and health continuum, including rural and remote health, addictions and mental health, and medical imaging. We are making significant advances in health research to positively impact those living in Northern Ontario’s remote and rural communities.

Through our work with collaborators, communities, governments, and industry, Queen’s University continues to advance research and drive knowledge mobilization and innovation to make a measured impact on Canada and the world.