The Alberta government, Western Economic Diversification Canada through the Western Economic Partnership Agreement, Medtronic Inc., GE Healthcare, the University of Calgary and other partners are providing $16.8 million to support the pilot phase of the project. The study may eventually grow to include 75 sites worldwide with a total investment of over $40 million. 

“This is an important study with the potential to save thousands of lives,” said Greg Weadick, Minister of Alberta Advanced Education and Technology. “The fact that it’s happening here in Alberta is proof that our province is quickly becoming a global hub for innovation and research. We have the tools and the talent to attract partners like GE and Medtronic.”

“Our Government is proud to be a part of this exciting project,” said Rob Anders, Member of Parliament for Calgary West, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification. “This is a great example of how we can promote life-saving innovations, while growing our economy by bringing new products and applications to market.”

“Sudden death is a major cause of death in Canada and around the world. Research to identify those at risk and methods to prevent death from heart rhythm problems are vital. This study may change how we manage patients after a heart attack and has the potential to save thousands of lives each and every year. It is an honor to be leading such an important study,” said Dr. Exner, a heart rhythm specialist, Professor in the Departments of Cardiac Science, Medicine and Community Health Sciences at the Faculty of Medicine, and the Canada Research Chair in Cardiovascular Clinical Trials.

“Medtronic is committed to principled collaboration among members of academia, government and industry to better address the unmet needs of heart patients,” said Marshall Stanton, M.D., vice president of clinical research for the Cardiac and Vascular Group at Medtronic. “This kind of clinical research is critical to the development of innovative technology and treatment approaches that can help transform the lives of the growing heart disease population worldwide.”

“In collaboration with leading industry, academic and government organizations, GE Healthcare is making its diagnostic cardiology innovations available to investigators worldwide for this important study,” said Peter Robertson, vice president and general manager of GE Healthcare Canada. “Helping clinicians detect underlying heart conditions is part of GE’s Healthymagination commitment in providing better health to more people around the world.”

Support from Alberta and Canada is through the Western Economic Partnership Agreement, a joint program to enhance diversification of the Alberta economy through shared investments in technology commercialization, business productivity and competitiveness, trade and investment, and value added processing.