High quality research is the key to better health outcomes. It drives improvements and innovations in health care. New drugs, better treatments, more accurate tests, new procedures: they all begin with research. Researchers can provide valuable knowledge that policy makers and planners can use to develop more efficient, effective health services.

• time-limited projects that focus on key government priorities (e.g., waiting lists, newborn screening, stroke, nursing, asthma, etc.). Successful projects receive funding to support research, dissemination of research results and related activities.

This strategic funding is designed to ensure that Ontario has the skills and capacity to conduct health and health services research now and in the future.

• MOHLTC provides funding to Institutes, foundations and centres that support independent Research Units, train researchers and disseminate research findings addressing a wide range of health and health system issues.  These funded research organizations also collaborate with ministry program areas to conduct health services research on questions that are important to decision-makers.
• The Career Scientist program provides funding to develop and support health and health services researchers here in Ontario. The program provides individual Career Scientist Awards to outstanding Ontario researchers in the early stages of their careers.
• Research Transfer and Support Initiatives invest in activities that support evidence-based research, research transfer, and the dissemination and implementation of research results.

MOHLTC is currently developing a 10 year strategy for the health care system. 

MOHTLC has established five draft strategic directions to guide the development of this plan; namely,

• Improving the quality of health care so that people have good outcomes
• Sustaining the health care system by planning and allocating health
• Improving the health status of Ontarians
• Making sure that Ontarians have equitable access to health care services regardless of who they are, where they live, or what they own
• Resources based on the needs of the population.
• Renewing community engagement and partnerships

Please visit www.ourplanforhealth.ca for further details.