Researchers and those benefiting their work gather from across Canada on Parliament Hill to illustrate the power of the science to improve health outcomes and strengthen Canada’s bioeconomy.
February 6, 2017, Ottawa, Ontario – More than a dozen exceptional researchers from across Canada gathered on Parliament Hill today to engage Parliamentarians in a dialogue about genomics – the science that examines the genetic code and the function of genes within the DNA of all living things.
Specifically, they showcased how genomic technologies are being applied in Canada today to solve big challenges in the areas of precision health and climate change.
They were joined by those benefitting from the research including rare disease patients and their families whose lives have changed due to research breakthroughs, and organizations that are using genomics to advance clean technologies, reduce pollution, protect Arctic marine life and improve the yield of Canada’s most important crops.
“It is an honour to celebrate the contributions of some of Canada’s most prominent genomics researchers. Our government is proud to support these scientists, through Genome Canada, who are addressing challenges in fields as varied as agriculture, health, mining and natural resources. The outcomes of their work continues to support our economy and our environment and helps to grow a strong, vibrant middle class,” said The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science, who addressed participants at the event.
Genomics on the Hill was co-hosted by Genome Canada and The Honourable Senator Kelvin Ogilvie, the developer of the chemistry of the first commercial automated DNA synthesizer and former Genome Canada Board member. He said, “Genomics is a cross-cutting technology, and as such, its applications across many sectors of importance to Canada are diverse and growing daily.”
Thanks to sustained federal investment in Genome Canada since 2000, and the many partnerships the organization has built with the provinces through collaboration with Canada’s six regional Genome Centres, and others in the public and private sector, Canada has emerged as a major global player in genomics.
“Canada’s patient investment in genomics over the past 16 years is bearing fruit,” said Marc LePage, President and CEO of Genome Canada. “We are using genomics to grow Canada’s bioeconomy and to enhance the health of Canadians.
Genomics on the Hill took place from 4-7 p.m. in Room 256-S of Centre Block, Parliament Hill. The posters that were on display at the event can be viewed online here:
Rare Disease Network
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The Diagnostic Odyssey of
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Care4Rare Network
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| The Gift of a Cure
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Genomics and Climate Change
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Using genomics to build
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Growing soybean in Canada
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Canada’s unique biomass resources: a source of high-value bioproducts  |
