Budget 2024 Consultations: CBRS Submission to the House of Commons Finance Committee

In our pre-budget submission to the House of Commons Finance Committee (FINA) for Budget 2024, we argue for “Brain Research: The cornerstone for Canada’s future social-economic wealth

CBRS, alongside its broad network of stakeholders, recommends the following:

That the Government of Canada make research on the brain and mental health a national priority with targeted investment in a Canadian Brain Research Initiative.

As of 2019, more than 7.5 million Canadians – 1 in 5 people – reported living with a brain disorder. Research remains our beacon of hope, as the only path to prevention, treatments and cures is to gain new knowledge on the brain.

As world leaders in neuroscience and mental health research, Canada is well-positioned to drive collaborative research efforts and tackle complex questions in this field. Seizing this critical opportunity is essential for reaping societal and economic benefits.

National-level resources to coordinate the brain research ecosystem will position Canada internationally to better develop, attract, and retain Highly Qualified Personnel. This will in
turn create a critical mass of brain science talent for a spectrum of Canadian academic, industry, and other sectors to succeed.

The CBRS is uniting diverse stakeholders across sectors to advance brain science and drive societal progress. With a clear vision and strategic plan in place, the coalition advocates for the establishment of a Canadian Brain Research Initiative to provide a coordinated approach to brain research and health, and the talent and infrastructure to support it across the country.

Read our full submission.