Genome Canada applauds the federal government’s Speech from the Throne, commending the government’s pledge to protect and promote traditional resource sectors.
“We salute the government for focusing on adaptation and innovation in traditional sectors such as agriculture, fisheries and forestry,” said Dr. Pierre Meulien, President and CEO of Genome Canada. “We see a major role for genomics in delivering on some of the government’s key commitments — most notably, equipping traditional resource-based industries with solutions to strengthen their economic competitiveness and productivity, positioning Canada as a global leader in the knowledge-based bio-economy.”
Genome Canada’s sector strategies, developed in collaboration with industry and other stakeholders, offer a roadmap for the forestry, fisheries and aquaculture, agri-food and energy and mining sectors to harness the untapped potential of genomics to drive industry growth, improve productivity, increase competitiveness and create high-quality jobs for Canadians. The application of research in genomics leads to improved food quality and safer food supply, increased exports, healthier fish stocks, hardier, more productive forests — these are the benefits genomics brings to Canada’s traditional industries.
Genome Canada also commended the government’s commitment to understanding the ethical, legal, and social issues related to genetic testing. Genome Canada has from its inception integrated this line of research into its genomics programs.
About Genome Canada
Genome Canada is a not-for-profit organization that invests in genomics research to generate economic and social benefits for Canadians. Genome Canada builds bridges between government, academia and industry to forge a genomics-based, innovation-driven enterprise focused on key life science sectors. We develop these partnerships to invest in and manage large-scale research and translate discoveries into commercial opportunities, new technologies, applications and solutions.
Thanks to major federal investments in genomics research over the past decade, matched by co-funding at other levels of government and the private sector, Canada is a genomics powerhouse. Genome Canada leads the Canadian Genomics Enterprise in partnership with six regional Genome Centres across Canada. This enterprise has delivered life-saving applications, employed more than 10,000 highly-skilled workers and generated far-reaching direct and indirect economic benefits to our nation’s economy over the past decade. Visit www.genomecanada.ca for more details.
For further information, please contact:
Andrea Matyas
Director of Communications
Genome Canada
Tel: 613-751-4460, ext. 231
Cell: 613-790-0106