This is important to those who provide health care and to Canadians themselves. Health care providers need the best information possible if they are to provide the best care possible for their patients. And Canadians need information as they seek to know more about their own health. Information can also help Canadians understand how their health care dollars are being spent and with what results. The government is committed to engaging the provinces, health providers and interested Canadians as it proceeds with these initiatives in a manner consistent with the Social Union Framework.
Research is important to a high quality health care system.
Health research continues to evolve, drawing in scientists across the full spectrum from basic science to clinical research, to health services and social factors that affect health. Federal research dollars at work Dr. Patrick Lee of the University of Calgary made a discovery that could have major implications for cancer treatment. He injected 25 different types of cancer cells during laboratory tests with a relatively harmless, naturally-occuring human virus. Of the 25 types of cancer cells, including breast, brain, prostate and pancreatic cancer, the virus killed 20. It is expected clinical trials will start in a few months to confirm this new approach to cancer treatment.