More than 3,000 Cardiovascular researchers, graduate students and scientists from around the world will converge on Winnipeg from July 6th to 11th, 2001 for the International Society for Heart Research (ISHR), XVIIth, World Congress.

The Honourable Ron J. Duhamel, Secretary of State for Western Economic Diversification, today announced $200,000 in funding for the St. Boniface General Hospital Research Centre towards the costs of promoting the International Congress.

"This world-class congress will provide an opportunity for sharing of information at the leading edge of cardiovascular research and will mean new opportunities for Manitoba businesses and benefits to the health industry across Canada," said Dr. Duhamel. "All Canadians will benefit from the symposia and conferences held here next summer."

The XVIIth Congress will provide delegates with the opportunity to discuss solutions to cardiovascular problems with world-renowned cardiologists, cardiovascular surgeons and cardiovascular scientists.

"During the past 50 years, more progress has been made in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease than had been achieved throughout the history of mankind, " said Dr. Naranjan Dhalla, Congress Chairman. "The Congress will disseminate state-of-the-art knowledge and define future directions for reducing cardiovascular mortality, as well as improving the quality of life for patients with heart disease".

The XVIIth congress will be held at the Winnipeg Convention Centre and will provide a learning experience in the fields of physiology, pharmacology, biochemistry, molecular biology, pathology, clinical cardiology, cardiovascular surgery and allied health professions. The conference will blend basic, clinical and epidemiological aspects of cardiovascular diseases.

The ISHR, comprises more than 8,000 professionals and holds eight sectional meetings throughout the world each year, as well as its international congress every three years. The XVIIth Congress and will consist of 54 symposia sessions, plenary lectures, poster sessions and award competitions. It will consist of 9 Special Sessions, 54 Symposia, poster sessions and award competitions, which will be scheduled at the Winnipeg Convention Centre.

The XVIIth Congress organizing committee consists of representatives from the University of Manitoba, St. Boniface General Hospital and Health Sciences Centre, as well as the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba.

For additional information, contact:

Mark Gale
Communications Manager
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Winnipeg, Manitoba
(204) 983-3119
WD Toll-Free No.: 1-888-338-WEST (9378)