Speech

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

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PRIME MINISTER ANNOUNCES NEW FUNDING TO THE RICK HANSEN FOUNDATION IN ITS DRIVE FOR A CURE FOR SPINAL CORD INJURIES

February 2, 2007
Ottawa, Ontario

Good morning.

It’s a great pleasure to be here at the Ottawa Hospital Rehabilitation Centre to announce a very important health research initiative.

But before I begin, I’d like to acknowledge some of the special people with me today:

First, the man who was kind enough to introduce me, Steven Fletcher. Steven, who serves as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health, is not just a passionate advocate for spinal cord research, but an example and inspiration to many including, of course, his colleagues in the House of Commons;

Our government’s Minister of Health, the Honourable Tony Clement, who, as many of you know, has been doing a first-rate job handling this important issue.

And finally, a man known and respected by Canadians across the country, Mr. Rick Hansen.

I must say, it’s always an honour to be able to meet with Rick. Paralyzed from the waist down at the age of 15, he resolved to devote his life to challenging society’s preconceptions about what those with spinal cord injuries can achieve.

To that end, from the parking lot of the Oakridge Mall in Vancouver, he began an extraordinary journey on March 31, 1985.

Over the next two years, Rick would wheel through an amazing 40,000 kilometres across 34 countries.

Through his legendary Man in Motion World Tour, he garnered international attention and raised millions for research in spinal cord injuries.

True to form, despite this incredible accomplishment, Rick still wasn’t satisfied. He wanted to do more. And so he has.

Over the years, the Rick Hansen Foundation has generated millions of dollars for research and programs aimed at making communities more accessible and inclusive for those living with spinal cord injuries.

Thanks to his leadership and his unstinting efforts, Rick Hansen has made a difference in the lives of over forty thousand Canadians with spinal cord injuries.

Simply put, Rick Hansen is a true Canadian hero.

And that’s why it’s such a great honour to be on the same stage with him today to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Man in Motion World Tour by announcing funding for the Spinal Cord Injury Translational Research Network.

Developed by leading researchers and clinicians, this initiative will create a national network whose purpose will be to accelerate the translation of innovative research discoveries into practical benefits for Canadians with spinal cord injuries.

As the ultimate goal is to see people walking away from spinal cord injuries, the majority of the funding I’m announcing today will be used to explore ways to reduce permanent paralysis.

Through this initiative, research will be conducted to determine the most effective methods of emergency and acute care, as well as which subsequent rehabilitation techniques work best.

For those already living with spinal cord injuries, targeted investments will be made to ensure better mobility, increased functioning, decreased medical complications, and greater independence.

We must also ensure that these benefits are reaped by all Canadians with spinal cord injuries, not just those living in large centres.

To that end, today’s initiative will help to implement validated best practices in communities throughout the country.

Because whether someone lives in Corner Brook, Sault Ste Marie, or Regina, he or she should be able to benefit from the best practices available.

In further aid of better treatment, this initiative will also complete the roll-out of a national registry.

Through assembling and collecting relevant data, this registry will be an indispensable tool in helping to optimize available resources so that those with spinal cord injuries are able to receive more timely treatment.

And finally, to ensure that Canada remains on the leading edge of spinal cord research, today’s initiative will help ensure the necessary infrastructure is set in place.

The Spinal Cord Injury Translational Research Network will be focussed on immediate benefits first and foremost, but will also help to hasten scientific breakthroughs toward treatment.

It is an ambitious objective

But given the talent and determination of Canadian researchers, our government is sure that one day, it will be possible.

Until then, though, Canada’s New Government is proud to support the efforts of the Rick Hansen foundation to make an immediate, positive difference for Canadians living with spinal cord injuries.

Every day, through a combination of perseverance and courage, these men, women, and children are laying to rest society’s preconceptions as to what’s possible.

And while barriers still exist, these Canadians are a testament to what can be accomplished through dogged determination.

Through today’s announcement, it’s my sincerest hope that the remaining barriers will be further eroded so that those with spinal cord injuries can make even greater contributions to our country.

Thank you.

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The Prime Minister’s Office - Communications
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