On October 9, 2025, Celiac Canada joined fellow members of Research Canada at the CDANXT: Research Canada Summit held at the MaRS Centre in Toronto. The summit brought together scientists, patient advocates, policymakers, and health leaders to explore how health research can help Canadians navigate an increasingly uncertain world.
For patients living with celiac disease, the messages shared at CDANXT were both timely and hopeful. The event emphasized that health research is not just about science—it’s about improving lives, building resilience, and creating a healthier future for all.
The summit opened with a powerful reminder: health research should be seen as a national investment, not just a cost. Speakers highlighted how discoveries made in Canada—like those behind mRNA vaccines and diabetes treatments—have changed lives globally. The challenge now is to ensure those benefits are felt here at home
One of the most striking insights came from David Coletto of Abacus Data, who described a shift in how Canadians feel. In recent years, many worried about scarcity whether there would be enough housing, health care, or food. Now, the concern is precarity: will we be okay?
Health research, he argued, can offer reassurance. When people see progress like faster diagnoses, better treatments, and safer food, they feel more confident about the future.
Chenny Xia of RockCare shared a vision for transforming home and community care. Her team is testing new models that use technology and peer support to help people manage their health more effectively. These approaches could be especially valuable for chronic conditions like celiac disease, where daily management is key. Our Aging Well with Celiac pilot program funded by the federal government is one such model of empowering patients and their families to avoid as long as possible entering into assisted living and thus cost savings on the health system.
International speakers from Sweden and the U.S. discussed how their countries are linking health research to national security and economic growth. Canada, too, has a chance to lead—especially if we invest in turning discoveries into real-world solutions.
One of the recurring themes at CDANXT was Canada’s struggle to translate world-class health discoveries into timely, accessible therapies for patients. While Canadian researchers have contributed to breakthroughs like mRNA vaccines and diabetes treatments, many of these innovations are commercialized abroad due to slow domestic approval processes and procurement barriers. This “Canadian shuffle”—where startups and therapies launch first in the U.S.—was highlighted as a major obstacle to patient access and national prosperity. Celiac Canada, in partnership with the Health Charities Coalition of Canada, is advocating for reforms that reduce red tape and accelerate the approval and adoption of new drug therapies. Patients deserve timely access to innovation, and Canada must build smarter pipelines to ensure that life-changing treatments reach those who need them most.
The summit closed with a clear message: Canada has a rare opportunity to lead in health innovation. By supporting research, sharing stories, and working together, we can build a health system that delivers both wellness and hope.
“When Canadians feel the future is precarious, health research delivers proof that progress is still possible.”
As a proud member of Research Canada, Celiac Canada is committed to ensuring that people living with celiac disease are part of this future—through better care, stronger research, and a louder voice in national conversations.
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