MRC sounds funding alarm CMAJ 1997;157:240 © 1997 Canadian Medical Association Dr. Henry Friesen, president of the Medical Research Council of Canada (MRC), is worried that Canada is losing ground to other countries because of federal cuts to research agencies such as the MRC. In his report for fiscal year 1995­96, Friesen said that by cutting the MRC budget by 10% between 1995 and 1997, and by a further 3% in 1998­99, the federal government has created "an acute sense of anxiety and concern" among Canadian scientists. He warned that, because other nations are increasing their research budgets, many of Canada's brightest researchers will look for greener research pastures. Friesen is, however, buoyed by the potential for growth in private-sector support for research. He cited several examples of partnerships between the MRC and private sector. A recent Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of Canada survey found that member companies increased their research-and-development spending from $624 million in 1995 to more than $768 million in 1996. Send a letter to the editor responding to this article Envoyez une lettre à la rédaction au sujet de cet article | CMAJ August 1, 1997 (vol 157, no 3) / JAMC le 1er août 1997 (vol 157, no 3) |