On June 22, 2010 Northern Health and UNBC signed a Memorandum of Understanding to formally recognize their long-standing and historical partnership. The purpose of this relationship is to stimulate innovation and transformation in both organizations in order to foster innovation in health services and policy, health provider and professional education, and health research; improve the health outcomes of the people living in Northern British Columbia; improve the quality of health care delivery and health provider and professional development; create an environment that is successful in recruiting and retaining skilled personnel; and, create opportunities for collaborative research and attract related funding. The Health Research Institute partners with Northern Health and the Innovation and Development Commons to enact activities that relate to fulfilling the goals set out by the MOU.