The Queen’s-based Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research (CIMVHR) has received a $10 million funding boost from Health Canada and the True Patriot Love Foundation.

The announcement, made by Minister of Health the Honourable Rona Ambrose and Vice-Chair of the True Patriot Love Foundation, Michael Burns, at CIMVHR’s annual Forum, detailed a $5 million donation from Health Canada and an additional $5 million from the True Patriot Love Foundation.

“This funding means CIMVHR will be able to continue to change the lives of Canadian military personnel, veterans and their families,” says Alice Aiken, director of CIMVHR. “We’ll be able to build new partnerships and expand the reach of our information, educate clinicians and policy makers and develop important connections with those who care for those who serve our country.”

The Government of Canada is providing the $5 million for CIMVHR to mobilize and promote the uptake of research to better address the health and wellness of Canadian Forces personnel. The matching $5 million from the True Patriot Love Foundation will support direct research to help improve the mental health and well-being of this important and significant population.

"Health Canada is investing in the Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research so that we can expand our work to enhance the lives of Canadian military personnel, Veterans and their families,” says Dr. Aiken, a professor in the School of Rehabilitation Therapy at Queen’s. “We are honoured to be entrusted as the organization to maximize health research that will serve those who serve us."

CIMVHR is currently partnered with 35 universities across Canada. The Institute acts as a channel between the academic community, government organizations, industry and similar international organizations to address the health and well-being of military personnel, Veterans and their families. CIMVHR’s annual forum runs Nov. 24-26 in downtown Toronto.