Genome Canada’s Nov. 30, 2021 virtual townhall explored the game-changing role genomics is playing in the fight against COVID-19 and in tackling other grand challenges—from rare disease to climate change resilience. As part of an ongoing dialogue on the future of genomics in Canada, the townhall welcomed more than 340 participants, including researchers, government officials, industry representatives and members of the public, to share their diverse perspectives on how to increase Canada’s genomics impact for the benefit of all Canadians—and the world.
L to R: Elder Claudette Commanda, an Algonquin Anishinabe from Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation, who is Special Advisor to the Dean on Reconciliation at the University of Ottawa, provided a traditional welcome. Dr. Rob Annan, President and CEO, Genome Canada and Dr. Catalina Lopez-Correa, Chief Scientific Officer, Genome Canada led the discussion and fielded questions. Dr. Nehal El-Hadi, Science and Technology Editor at The Conversation Canada, moderated the session.
Townhall highlights
![Image: TWITTER TAKEOVER Farah Qaiser, Director of Research and Policy at Evidence for Democracy took over our Twitter account to live-tweet from the townhall. [Click to view]](https://genomecanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/event_social_media_-_indigenous_peoples_and_the_canadian_research_ecosystem_fr_1160_x_300_px_1.png)