The Government of Canada has launched a public consultation to inform a new Pan-Canadian Genomics Strategy (PCGS), announced May 24, 2022 by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED). The deadline to share your views via an online survey on ISED’s PCGS portal is June 24, 2022.
Recognizing the strengths and importance of Canada’s genomics ecosystem for the health and prosperity of Canadians, Budget 2021 announced $400 million over six years to support the new PCGS—kick-started by a $136.7 million investment in Genome Canada’s challenge-driven programming.
Genome Canada launched a new genomics initiative supported by this investment on May 12, 2022, which will drive climate-smart agriculture and strengthen food systems across Canada. We look forward to actively engaging in the PCGS consultation as we deploy this initiative and develop future genomics initiatives tackling major challenges in health, agriculture and food, and climate change and the environment.
Explore ISED’s virtual hub for the PCGS consultation.
Vision for the Pan-Canadian Genomics Strategy
According to the Government of Canada, the “PCGS aims to advance the commercialization and adoption of genomics innovations and related technologies, to strengthen Canada’s global leadership and position Canada for long-term success in the global bioeconomy while enhancing coherence and coordination among the key players.”
“The Government of Canada would like to better understand the challenges and opportunities currently facing Canada by seeking feedback from genomics experts, stakeholders and interested Canadians across the genomics landscape.”
The following proposed priority themes have been identified for the PCGS:
- Canada’s genomics landscape – opportunities and challenges
- Attracting, developing and retaining talent
- Management, standardization and use of genomics data
- Commercialization and use of Canadian genomics technology and innovations
- Adoption of genomics in key sectors: healthcare, environment, clean tech, food and natural resources
This consultation is an important opportunity for stakeholders across the genomics research and innovation ecosystem–and the country–to help shape Canada’s genomics future.
As we heard at our fall 2021 “Future of Genomics” roundtable series to shape Genome Canada’s strategic approach and impact, and shared in the series’ final report, Canada’s potential to harness the Bio Revolution is immense.
Over the last 20 years, Canada has built world-class strength in genomics across key sectors and from coast to coast. Combined with Canada’s strengths and advances in big data, artificial intelligence, gene editing and synthetic biology, genomics offers an unparalleled opportunity to deliver homegrown biological solutions to complex challenges, such as pandemics, climate change, food insecurity and energy demands. Mobilizing Canada’s genomics excellence and capacity around shared challenges will improve lives and strengthen communities across the country and globally.
Genome Canada wholeheartedly encourages our pan-Canadian genomics community, and the broader research and innovation ecosystem, to engage actively in this consultation to ensure a diversity of perspectives and expertise inform the PCGS. Please share this information with your networks and partners.
Explore the virtual hub for the PCGS consultation.
For more information, please contact Pari Johnston, Vice-President, Policy and Public Affairs at pjohnston@genomecanada.ca