BACKGROUNDER
2009STED0022-000721 April 7, 2009	Ministry of Small Business, Technology and Economic Development BC Cancer Agency and BC Cancer Foundation University of British Columbia
FUNCTIONAL CANCER IMAGING CHAIR PARTNERS

Province of British Columbia

Since 2001, the provincial government has invested $90 million in cancer research, part of $1.7 billion it has committed to research and innovation. This includes $56.25 million to establish 29 permanent research chairs under the Leading Edge Endowment Fund – some of the best-funded research chairs in Canada. The Leading Edge Endowment Fund was established in 2002 to fulfill government’s commitment to establish 20 permanent leadership chairs across B.C. It was expanded to add nine regional innovation chairs, for a total of 29 chairs and $56.25 million. Post-secondary institutions and external partners provide matching funding.

 

BC Cancer Foundation

The BC Cancer Foundation, established in 1935, raises funds to support research and enhancements to patient care at the BC Cancer Agency, throughout B.C. The foundation maintains offices in and provides support to all five BC Cancer Agency regional centres – Abbotsford, Fraser Valley, Southern Interior, Vancouver and Vancouver Island.

 

BC Cancer Agency

The BC Cancer Agency, an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority, is committed to reducing the incidence of cancer, reducing the mortality from cancer, and improving the quality of life of those living with cancer. It provides a comprehensive cancer control program for the people of British Columbia by working with community partners to deliver a range of oncology services, including prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment, research, education, supportive care, rehabilitation and palliative care.

 

The University of British Columbia

The University of British Columbia is one of Canada’s largest public research and teaching institutions and consistently ranks among the top 40 institutes in the world. It offers a range of innovative undergraduate, graduate and professional programs in the arts, sciences, medicine, law, commerce and other faculties. UBC has particular strengths in biotechnology, and ranks in the top 10 universities in North America – and number 1 in Canada – for commercializing research, and for its patent activity in the life sciences.

 

Provincial Health Services Authority

The Provincial Health Services Authority is one of six health authorities – the other five health authorities serve geographic regions of B.C. The primary role of the Provincial Health Services Authority is to ensure that B.C. residents have access to a co-ordinated network of high-quality specialized health-care services. The Provincial Health Services Authority operates provincial agencies including BC Children’s Hospital and BC Transplant, but the authority is also responsible for specialized provincial health services like trauma and chest surgery, which are delivered in locations across the province.

 

 

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Contact:	Gordon Williams Communications Director Ministry of Small Business, Technology and Economic Development 250 952-0152 / cell 250 413-7316	Randy Schmidt Associate Director UBC Public Affairs 604 822-1266 / cell 604 828-0787
	Nicole Adams Communications Director BC Cancer Agency 604 675-8105/  pager 604 641-5167	Judy Hamill Manager, Public Affairs BC Cancer Foundation 604 707-5934

 

 

 

 

 

For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca.