National spinal cord research initiative gets $10M funding from Ontario

Toronto, ON – Rick Hansen was joined by Ontario’s Premier Dalton McGuinty to announce the government of Ontario’s $10 million commitment to supporting Ontario’s involvement in a national Spinal Cord Injury Translational Research Network (SCI-TRN).

Twenty years ago, Hansen inspired a nation to believe that anything is possible. The 20th Anniversary of the Man In Motion World Tour renewed hope, inspiration and significant investment in research excellence and improved quality of life for people with spinal cord injury. In 2007, Spinal Cord Injury Translational Research Network, established by the Rick Hansen foundation, was started with a $30M contribution from the federal government, led by Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

As the first program of its type in Canada, the SCI-TRN will bring experts in the field of SCI together to work towards the common goal of maximizing ability and community participation and minimizing disability for people living with SCI.

“This investment will allow us to connect a network of researchers and clinicians in Ontario who will be linked with other experts nationally and internationally to translate advancements in research and clinical care into best practices. It is my hope that this initiative is adopted by all provinces across this country so we can collaborate and showcase to the world that Canada is leading the way in spinal cord research,” said Hansen.