June 16, 2022 – JDRF Canada celebrates the approval of a joint investment of $30M for the JDRF-CIHR Partnership to Defeat Diabetes. We thank the government for this significant investment that will positively impact the type 1 diabetes (T1D) community.
The JDRF-CIHR Partnership to Defeat Diabetes is a landmark collaboration between the Government of Canada, through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), and JDRF Canada to support transformative T1D research. This unique partnership ensures that T1D remains a priority in Canadian health research and is based on a shared vision of improved care, treatment, outcomes and cures for those living with T1D. All funds donated by the Government of Canada are matched by JDRF through generous support from donors.
Since its inception in 2017, and now with this renewal, the JDRF-CIHR Partnership to Defeat Diabetes will invest a total of $60 million to fund the most promising T1D research. Over the past five years, the partnership has funded several innovative clinical trials and translational research projects focused on accelerating the development of novel treatment approaches for people with T1D. For example, Dr. Maria Cristina Nostro at the University Health Network’s McEwen Stem Cell Institute is leading a team focused on developing new transplantation strategies and universal donor stem cells to develop a superior islet-like product for people with T1D that will require little or no immunosuppression.
JDRF’s pre-budget submission for the 2021 Budget focused on the key recommendation that: The Government of Canada should honour the centenary of the discovery of insulin through a renewed research investment of $15M in the JDRF-CIHR Partnership to Diabetes to be matched by JDRF and its partners for a total impact of $30M.
In fall 2020, JDRF youth ambassadors took to Parliament Hill virtually as part of our Kids for a Cure lobby day. Delegates met with Members of Parliament and Senators to raise awareness about the daily challenges faced by those living with T1D and the need for more Canadian research in this field – specifically through the Partnership.
JDRF would like to recognize the support received from MPs and Senators to move this recommendation forward. We’d especially like to acknowledge our All-Party Caucus Co-Chairs, Marie-France Lalonde, Chris d’Entremont, Carol Hughes and Senator Nancy Hartling for their hard work and effort securing the Partnership renewal.
JDRF is excited to move forward with supporting additional cutting-edge T1D projects as a result of receiving renewed funding that will address areas of shared strategic interest including general population screening for T1D risk, precision medicine for T1D, and novel interventions that address mental health in people with T1D.
Quotes
“Receiving this crucial funding through the CIHR partnership will ensure Canada continues as a world leader in T1D clinical trials and translational research – especially as we marked the centenary of the discovery of insulin in 2021. We are fortunate to be working alongside our partner, CIHR, to reach our ultimate goal of finding a cure and moving beyond insulin.”
Dave Prowten, President and CEO of JDRF Canada
“The discovery of insulin over 100 years ago has kept us alive with this disease. Now we need to take action so that we can live a near normal life by using new technologies while we accelerate our focus on finding a cure for the next generation. A cure would mean that me, my son and all the rest of us living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes would no longer live the burden of managing this disease.”
Dr. Michael C. Riddell, T1D researcher who was diagnosed with T1D at age 15, and whose son was diagnosed with T1D in May 2016.
“I am very proud to see the federal government renew the partnership between JDRF and CIHR. This $15 million investment, to be matched by JDRF, is a landmark collaboration between the Government of Canada and JDRF Canada to support innovative T1D research. Ce partenariat, fondé sur une vision commune de l’amélioration des soins, des traitements et des résultats, vise également à trouver un remède pour les millions de Canadiens qui souffrent du diabète de type 1. For the other co-chairs of the All-Party Caucus on Juvenile Diabetes and myself, this is proof that through advocacy and partnership we can make great things happen. We firmly believe that by working together, the government of Canada and JDRF can better the lives of Canadians living with type 1 diabetes and turn type 1 into type none.”
Marie-France Lalonde, MP for Orléans
“As one of the Co-chairs of the All-Party JDRF Caucus I am pleased of the work we have done to support JDRF’s request for renewed research funding. I look forward to seeing how Canada’s $15 million commitment over the next five years helps support those who live with condition today while driving the work that will create a brighter future with hope for the eventual eradication of the condition.”
Carol Hughes, MP for Algoma—Manitoulin—Kapuskasing
“Canada is home to outstanding diabetes researchers. CIHR is very proud to partner with JDRF Canada to support excellent new research that will provide insights into how we can improve care and ultimately prevent and cure type 1 diabetes.”
Dr. Norman Rosenblum, Scientific Director, CIHR Institute of Nutrition, Metabolism and Diabetes
