Ottawa (October 8, 2009) - The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) has been declared one of Canada's Top 100 Employers. The honour was bestowed by Mediacorp Canada Inc. following their annual survey of companies and organizations across Canada. This is the first time that CIHR has been listed.

"Now everyone knows what we at CIHR have always known: that this is an innovative workplace that strives for excellence in all its pursuits," said Dr. Alain Beaudet, President of CIHR. "We have some of the most dedicated, professional and capable employees in all of Canada and we do everything possible to support them with a world class working environment."

Now in its 10th year, Canada's Top 100 Employers recognizes organizations that lead their industries in attracting and retaining employees by examining key factors including: condition and location of physical workplace; health, financial and family benefits; vacation and time off; training and skills development; and community involvement. The list is published in Maclean's Magazine and the Globe and Mail.

"The success and reputation that CIHR enjoys today is the product of years of work by hundreds of dedicated employees," said Sandra Cooper, Director of Human Resources at CIHR. "Our employees make a difference in the lives of Canadians and in return deserve the most professional support an organization like ours can provide."

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is the Government of Canada's agency for health research. CIHR's mission is to create new scientific knowledge and to catalyze its translation into improved health, more effective health services and products, and a strengthened Canadian health-care system. Composed of 13 Institutes, CIHR provides leadership and support to more than 13,000 health researchers and trainees across Canada.

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For more information, please contact:

David Coulombe
CIHR Media Relations 
Office: 613-941-4563
Cell: 613-808-7526
David.Coulombe@cihr-irsc.gc.ca