Cystic Fibrosis Canada welcomes B.C., Saskatchewan and Ontario's leadership in the pursuit of a national health care innovation agenda

TORONTO, Jan. 16, 2012 /CNW/ - Cystic Fibrosis Canada, a global leader in advancing research and treatment for people with cystic fibrosis, welcomes the leadership demonstrated by Premiers Brad Wall, Dalton McGuinty and Christy Clark in the pursuit of a national health care innovation agenda - an important next step in the fight against cystic fibrosis (CF) and other chronic diseases.

"The establishment of a national health care innovation fund is a welcomed next step in helping to improve the lives of Canadians with CF or other chronic diseases," said Maureen Adamson, CEO of Cystic Fibrosis Canada. "At Cystic Fibrosis Canada, we provide funds to advance research and health care excellence across the country and welcome the opportunity for collaborations with Canada's federal and provincial governments as we set our sights on finding a cure for CF."

In 2010 and 2011 alone, Cystic Fibrosis Canada invested over $16 million across the country in transformational research and clinical care for people with CF - which would not have been possible without the support of our volunteers, donors, sponsors and partners. Research and clinical care funded by Cystic Fibrosis Canada continue to be among the best in the world.

"People with cystic fibrosis are now living into their forties - a result in large part to Canadian research and care funded by Cystic Fibrosis Canada, and this means a greater degree of investment is required from our governments across Canada to improve the quality of life for Canadians with CF," said Adamson.

"As Canada's Premiers gather for the Council of Federation in Victoria, we welcome their support for a national health care innovation fund and call on the federal government to work with the provinces on making this a reality," said Ken Chan, Cystic Fibrosis Canada's Vice President of Advocacy and Partnerships. "Until there is a cure, we will continue to advocate on behalf of people with cystic fibrosis, for increased access to innovative life-sustaining treatments and breakthrough research."

In the time ahead, Cystic Fibrosis Canada and its many volunteers and donors will continue to work tirelessly to champion for access to the best possible care and the integration of innovation and multi-dimensional strategic partnerships essential to making Canada an international leader, not just in the care of people with CF, but in all aspects of healthcare and research.

About cystic fibrosis and Cystic Fibrosis Canada

Cystic fibrosis is a multi-system disease that affects mainly the lungs and the digestive system. In the lungs, where the effects are most devastating, a build-up of thick mucus causes severe respiratory problems. Mucus and protein also build up in the digestive tract, making it difficult to digest and absorb nutrients from food. As improved therapies have helped to address the malnutrition issues, ultimately most cystic fibrosis-related deaths are due to lung disease.

Cystic Fibrosis Canada is a national health charity committed to finding a cure for cystic fibrosis, and to helping people and families affected by cystic fibrosis cope with their daily fight. As a global leader in CF research, the organization invests more dollars in life-saving cystic fibrosis research and care than any other non-government agency in Canada. In 2011, Cystic Fibrosis Canada is investing nearly $6.5 million to fund 56 promising research projects, as well as more than 50 fellows and students, and is delivering more than $2 million to fund clinical care programs in Canada.

For more information, or to speak with a local family affected by cystic fibrosis, please contact:

Diana Ginsberg
Media Relations Officer
Cystic Fibrosis Canada
1-800-378-2233 ext. 290
[email protected]
www.cysticfibrosis.ca