In the 2024 federal budget, the Government of Canada renewed funding to Brain Canada to support the advancement of brain research with a commitment of $80 million over four years. This investment will enable Brain Canada to continue advancing bold, high-risk, high-reward research, maintain our existing signature programs that build capacity, retain top talent and drive innovation, as well as to launch transformative new initiatives with donors and partners to improve outcomes for people living with brain conditions.

“Our government’s continued investment in Brain Canada underscores our commitment to advancing brain health research,” says The Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health. “By supporting innovative studies and collaboration, we are taking important steps towards understanding and treating neurological conditions, ultimately improving quality of life for all people in Canada.”

“This funding serves as recognition of Brain Canada’s critical role in the Canadian research ecosystem.” – Dr. Viviane Poupon, President and CEO of Brain Canada

Brain Health - Dr. Naguib Mechawar, (centre) co-director of the Douglas-Bell Canada Brain Bank with the Honourable Minister Marc Miller (left) and the Honourable Minister Steven Guilbeault (centre)

Dr. Naguib Mechawar, (centre) co-director of the Douglas-Bell Canada Brain Bank with the Honourable Minister Marc Miller (left) and the Honourable Minister Steven Guilbeault (centre)

At an event at the Douglas Research Centre on May 31, Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, and Minister Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship of Canada, on behalf of the Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health, reaffirmed the Government of Canada’s support to the advancement of brain research in Canada.

As it has done since the Canada Brain Research Fund was established in 2011, Brain Canada will match the federal contribution with private and non-federal government dollars on a 1:1 basis. This unique business model will double the latest investment to reach a grand total of $160 million for brain research in Canada by 2028.

“We welcome the Government of Canada’s renewed commitment to brain research,” says Dr. Viviane Poupon, president & CEO of Brain Canada. “This funding serves as recognition of Brain Canada’s critical role in the Canadian research ecosystem. We look forward to working closely with our donors and partners to double the government’s investment and accelerate scientific discovery for the benefit of people living with brain conditions. Together we are helping to improve the brain health for people in Canada.”

Through Budgets 2011, 2016, and 2019 and a subsequent funding renewal in 2021, the Government of Canada has committed a total of $200 million for Brain Canada through the Canada Brain Research Fund (CBRF) Program. The CBRF supports Canadian neuroscience research with the greatest potential to lead to scientific discoveries that advance therapies and approaches to better understand the brain and brain health. Brain Canada, the sole recipient of this contribution program, works in partnership with a range of donors from across the private, public, and charitable sectors to match the government’s investment and provide competitively awarded funding for research across Canada.

“The Government of Canada has committed a total of $200 million for Brain Canada through the Canada Brain Research Fund (CBRF) Program.”

Brain Canada shapes its research priorities by engaging the neuroscience community and bringing together research stakeholders, including those with lived experience and their caregivers. Its signature programs, which include team, platform, capacity building, and knowledge mobilization awards, aim to increase research capacity and strategically advance the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of brain diseases, disorders, and other conditions.

For more information about Brain Canada, please visit: www.braincanada.ca