The Canadian Association for Neuroscience had a great opportunity to feature neuroscience research in Canada to members of Parliament during a luncheon held in Ottawa on February 13th 2017. The CAN delegation included the Chair of the CAN Advocacy Committee and event organizer Katalin Toth, (Université Laval), CAN President Freda Miller (University of Toronto), CAN Vice-President-Elect, Jaideep Bains (University of Calgary), featured speakers Beverley Orser (University of Toronto) and Charles Bourque (McGill University). They were accompanied by CAN Advocacy officer Jason Tetro and CAN Chief Operating Officer Julie Poupart.
The event, organised by Research Canada and CAN, was held for the tri-partite Health Research Caucus, and members of Parliament from across Canada. Attendees were welcomed by John Oliver, Chair of the Health research council, and Carol Hughes, member of the Caucus. Both Mr. Oliver and Mrs. Hughes highlighted the importance of brain and neuroscience research for all Canadians. Many members of Parliament were also present.
Dr. Freda Miller, CAN President, highlighted the importance of the work done by neuroscientists across the country to understand how the brain and nervous system works. It is by understanding the basic science of this complex organ that we will be able to find cures and treatments for the one in three Canadians who suffer from a brain disorder, condition or injury in their lifetime. A collection of impact stories about Canadian neuroscience research was presented to the audience, collected in a booklet titled “Canadian Connections”. Two shining examples of made in Canada neuroscience research were presented next.
Dr. Beverley Orser, from Sunnybrook Hospital, and University of Toronto, presented her research on anesthetics, which aims to reduce the side-effects associated with these essential drugs. She presented research that has led to the identification of a class of compounds that can help reduce post-surgery memory loss.
Dr. Charles Bourque, from McGill University, presented research on the importance of salt regulation for health. His basic research helps explain how defects in salt and water content in cells (osmoregulation) can lead to defects in brain function, and even death. His research in the mechanisms of osmoregulation has helped identify multiple molecules and processes in the body that could be valid drug target to treat hypertension.
The event was a great opportunity to increase awareness about neuroscience research in Parliament.
View our image gallery of the event on Flickr
Download a copy of Canadian Connexions – Highlighting Recent Neuroscience Research
The event was sponsored by:
- Sanofi Genzyme
- Johnson & Johnson
- Innovative medicines Canada
- Abbvie
- Centre de recherche de l’Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Québec
- Parkinson Canada
- Medtronic
- McGill University Health Centre Research Institute
- Neurological Health Charities Canada (NHCC)
- GSK (GlaxoSmithKline)
- Research and Innovation at McGill University
- Shift Health
- Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal (IRCM)
