The Short Report - July 5, 2023:

HEALTH NEWS

Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health Carolyn Bennett has announced a research investment of nearly $3 million through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research to support three clinical trials that will examine psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy as a potential treatment option for alcohol use disorder, treatment-resistant depression and end-of-life psychological distress in advanced-stage cancer patients. "... there are still many unknowns as to the safety and efficacy of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy. These three newly funded clinical trials represent the careful research that is urgently needed to build upon preliminary findings, and guide clinical practice in Canada," said Dr. Samuel Weiss, the scientific director of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research Institute of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Addiction. CIHR

McMaster University has partnered with the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) to improve scientists' access to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) data through the McMaster-developed Comprehensive Antibiotic Resistance Database (CARD). The collaboration has resulted in the creation of an AMR module for CZI's open-access metagenomics platform, CZ ID, which will allow researchers worldwide to track and investigate drug-resistant bacteria (superbugs). This partnership aims to provide the global research community with the necessary tools and resources to detect, investigate, and monitor emerging and novel pathogens, ultimately contributing to the fight against antimicrobial resistance. McMaster

GOVERNMENT POLICY & FUNDING ANNOUNCEMENTS

Canada's Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Sean Fraser, has launched a tech talent strategy to provide Canadian companies with talent in high-growth industries.  Among the measures being introduced are the following:

• the creation of an open work permit stream for H-1B specialty occupation visa holders in the US;
• the development of an Innovation Stream under to the International Mobility Program to attract highly talented individuals, options for which include

  • employer-specific work permits for up to five years for workers destined to work for a company identified by the Government of Canada as contributing to industrial innovation goals
  • open work permits for up to five years for highly skilled workers in select in-demand occupations

• a return to the 14-day service standard for work permits under the Global Skills Strategy
• the promotion of Canada as a destination for digital nomads
• the creation of a STEM-specific draw under category-based selection to issue additional invitations to apply under the Express Entry program
• improvements to the Start-up Visa Program, including:

  • allocating more spots for 2023, with further increases planned for 2024 and 2025.
  • Applicants able to apply for a work permit up to three years in duration instead of one year.
  • Applicants able to apply for an open work permit instead of one that limits them to working for their own startup.
  • The three-year open work permit available to each member of the entrepreneurial team instead of only those who are essential and urgently needed in Canada.
  • Prioritizing applications supported by venture capital, angel investor groups and business incubators who have capital committed, along with applications supported by business incubators who are members of Canada’s Tech Network. IRCC

The Government of Ontario is investing up to $77 million in projects to help companies adopt, develop and bring critical technologies, such as 5G, ethical artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, cybersecurity and robotics, to market. The funding will go to the Ontario Centre of Innovation (up to $50 million through the Critical Technology Initiatives program to help  Ontario businesses develop and adopt critical technologies in mining, agri-food, and advanced manufacturing) and the Vector Institute for Artificial Intelligence (up to $27 million to help companies connect with Vector’s AI engineers, researchers and professionals to accelerate the responsible adoption of ethical AI.) OCI

THE GRAPEVINE

Dr. Bheeshma Ravi has been appointed president of the Canadian Orthopaedic Research Society (CORS). Ravi is known for his expertise in orthopaedic surgery and his research dedicated to enhancing patient outcomes following total joint replacement and other orthopaedic procedures. In his role as CORS president, Ravi will facilitate interdisciplinary research collaborations, build partnerships with musculoskeletal research societies globally, support excellence in musculoskeletal research through recognition and funding, and inspire emerging scientists and clinicians to pursue musculoskeletal research. Sunnybrook

Dr. Declan Ali has been named the new dean of the Faculty of Science at the University of Alberta for a five-year term effective July 1. Ali served as associate dean of research, acting associate vice-president, and chair of the Department of Biological Sciences. Ali's vision for his role as dean includes a focus on recruiting diverse talent, enhancing teaching and curriculum with an Indigenous perspective, and fostering philanthropic partnerships to support the faculty's research and educational endeavors. U of A